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Expression of Interest

Large illuminated “#PARRTJIMA” sign on a red base at night, set on sandy ground with glowing blue light installations and trees in the background.
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Parrtjima Festival

First Nations Curatorial Opportunity

Expression of Interest

Tourism and Events Northern Territory (TENT) is seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander curators, artists, creative practitioners and/or collectives interested in contributing to the curatorial leadership of Parrtjima 2027.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the next chapter of Parrtjima – Illuminating the World’s Oldest Living Culture, one of Australia’s most significant celebrations of Aboriginal art, culture, storytelling and innovation.

Working closely with Tourism and Events Northern Territory (TENT), We Are Gather, the Parrtjima Festival Reference Group, artists and project partners, the appointed curator/s will provide cultural and creative leadership across the festival’s curatorial direction, artistic vision and visitor experience.

The successful applicant/s will play an important role in ensuring Parrtjima remains culturally grounded, artistically ambitious, locally relevant and nationally significant, while helping guide the festival through an important period of transition and renewal.

ABOUT PARRTJIMA

Parrtjima is a nationally recognised Aboriginal cultural festival held annually in Mparntwe (Alice Springs). The festival brings together contemporary Aboriginal art, culture, storytelling and technology within the extraordinary landscape of Central Australia.

Parrtjima is owned and funded by Tourism and Events Northern Territory (TENT) and delivered by We Are Gather, TENT’s appointed Event Delivery Partner. The festival celebrates the depth, diversity and continuing strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through large-scale light installations, public art, performance, music, talks, workshops, community programs and cultural experiences.

The festival is guided by the Parrtjima Festival Reference Group, comprising representatives with cultural and community connections to Mparntwe, Antulye and Irlpme. The Reference Group plays a critical role in supporting cultural integrity, local relevance and connection to Country.

Following the remarkable contribution of Rhoda Roberts AO, who shaped the festival’s curatorial direction for more than a decade, Parrtjima 2027 represents an important opportunity to contribute to the next chapter of the festival’s evolution.

ELIGIBILITY

Parrtjima is seeking First Nations cultural and creative leadership to help shape the future direction of the festival and strengthen its position as a nationally significant celebration of Aboriginal art, culture, storytelling and innovation.

Applications are welcomed from experienced First Nations curators, artists, creative practitioners and/or collectives whose experience and practice align with the objectives of the opportunity.

Further information on the opportunity, assessment criteria and application process is available in the link below.

The Expression of Interest will remain open for submissions until 24 July 2026 at 5pm AEST, with shortlisting to commence immediately. Submissions must be made digitally to parrtjima@wearegather.com.au by the submission deadline. Any enquiries regarding the opportunity should be directed to the project team via parrtjima@wearegather.com.au.

This is an identified/designated First Nations opportunity. The opportunity is intended to be filled by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, persons or collective, in accordance with the special measures provisions of section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT) and/or the genuine occupational qualification exemption under section 35 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT).

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