The official Media Launch for the 2024 festival was held on Tuesday 20 August. The Launch was hosted in Mununja the butterfly garden at the National Arboretum, a space created through the traditional story telling and sharing of Uncle Tyrone Bell (Ngunawal), his father, and his son. In this garden, Uncle Tyronne generously Welcomed the festival team, artists and guests to Country. Minister for the Arts, Tara Cheyne, spoke after Uncle Tyronne, enthusiastically discussing the upcoming festival program, and creating an air of anticipation. Board member, Chris Wallace, welcomed the many friends, partners, sponsors and media personnel who turned out on the day to connect and support.
A number of the 2024 Biennial artists and curators were present as the 2024 Creative Producer, Tegan Garnett, spoke to the exciting growth of the festival. Oscar Capezio, one of five 2024 festival curators, spoke to Al Fresco’s participation in the Biennial, with the Spring exhibition Clay Pit.
For this event to take place, the Biennial acknowledges the freedom of the media in Australia, in stark and devastating contrast to that of journalists and media workers in Gaza. As we promote the 2024 festival through media outlets, we pay tribute to the majority-Palestinian journalists who have been killed reporting on the ongoing genocide.
All images courtesy of the National Arboretum Canberra.