Snakes and goannas mini-dress designed by Aub Swan, screenprinted by Yuruniali Aboriginal Corporation Moree.

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May 2000 to April 2007

The Indigenous cultures of Australia are considered to have the longest continuous history of any culture on earth. Drawing on their relationship with this vast and ancient landscape they offer unique insights into life in Australia, past and present. The word ‘bayagul’ means ‘speaking up’ and is from the language of the Eora, the first people of the Sydney region. There are more than 350 Indigenous languages in Australia.

From the moment visitors met the Marrugeku Mimi dancers, they were immersed in the messages of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communication from the brilliant architectural design of the award-winning Merrima group to the antics of Yamba the Honey Ant from Central Australia’s Imparja TV, Australia’s first Indigenous television station.

Bayagul revealed aspects of Indigenous Australian identities as expressed through contemporary technologies and industries, showing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples speaking up for themselves in film, dance, music, architecture, tourism, media, fashion and much more! Bayagul communicated through powerful contemporary design, fun and educational interactives, and audiovisual displays featured dance, music and film by Australia’s first peoples.

Bayagul also spoke through the work of outstanding contemporary Indigenous artists and performers such as Jimmy Little, Bronwyn Bancroft, Tracey Moffatt, Rachael Perkins, Deborah Mailman, Justine Saunders, Bangarra Dance Theatre and Mervyn Bishop. Bayagul took visitors on a journey around Australia, meeting key players in the exhibition’s four thematic areas of tourism, fashion and textiles, the performing arts and the media.

Education & public programs
A range of educational activities complemented Bayagul for school, tertiary and adult learners.

Teachers notes
(pdf document 199k)

Powerhouse Publications
Bayagul: contemporary
Indigenous communication

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