Feel the Beat with Deaf Indigenous Dance Group

Deaf in Dance Showcase Celebrates 27 Years of Cultural Connection

A unique dance group from Far North Queensland is stepping into the spotlight with an exciting showcase at the State Library of Queensland. The Deaf Indigenous Dance Group (DIDG), known for using vibration to sense the rhythms of traditional music, is being celebrated in the “Deaf in Dance” exhibition, opening on 25 May.

A Celebration of Culture and Communication

The “Deaf in Dance” exhibition delves into the rich 27-year history of DIDG and its proud First Nations members who communicate through various Indigenous sign languages. The showcase includes a fascinating mix of artworks, performances, and digital stories, along with narrative portraits by award-winning photojournalist Sean Davey.

Accessibility at Its Core

In a nod to inclusivity, the exhibition is designed with accessibility in mind. Australian Sign Language (Auslan) tours will be offered monthly, ensuring that everyone can engage with the stories and experiences on display.

Exhibition Highlights

Visitors can look forward to several key highlights:

A full video of DIDG’s performance at Sydney’s Dance Rites 2023.
Newly commissioned interviews with DIDG members.
Large-scale reproductions of artworks created by DIDG members.
Custom tactile artwork by First Nations artist Bree Buttenshaw.

Voices of Support

Minister for the Arts, Leeanne Enoch, shared her admiration for DIDG’s contributions: “For almost three decades, the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group has shared a love of movement and First Nations stories with world-class festival and event performances around Australia. The State Library’s Deaf in Dance exhibition is part of the Queensland Government’s 10-year Creative Together strategy to elevate First Nations culture and storytellers on the global stage ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, supporting the Path to Treaty, truth-telling and healing.”

State Librarian and CEO, Vicki McDonald AM, emphasized the cultural significance of the exhibition: “Deaf in Dance honours and celebrates the distinct cultural and artistic impact the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group has had over its 27-year history. The showcase examines how connection to culture can provide unity, pride, and a sense of belonging. It is an opportunity to learn what accessibility can mean for State Library of Queensland’s wide range of events, exhibitions, and collections, and how we can provide a meaningful experience for all Queenslanders. Deaf in Dance is an important part of recognizing the cultural identities of Queensland’s Deaf and hard of hearing communities.”