Aboriginal Cultural Showcase in tune for 2010

20 August 2009

The Aboriginal Cultural Showcase is going from strength to strength with Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Paul Lynch today dedicating $7000 towards next year's event.

Mr Lynch said the Showcase - part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival - celebrated the contribution of Aboriginal people to country music.

"The Showcase is an opportunity to unearth local talent at Australia's biggest country music festival," he said.

"It is a nurturing ground for Aboriginal musical and artistic talent while promoting the diversity of Aboriginal culture to tens of thousands of people," Mr Lynch said.

Mr Lynch said the Showcase Organising Committee aimed to build on last year's successful event by expanding the program to include workshops for performers and other informal events where festival-goers can interact with the artists.

Lauren Ryan, who performed at today's event, said the Showcase had opened doors for her and helped attract more bookings.

"I was also thrilled to be walking down Peel Street the other day and hear Johnny Huckle recognise me and call out to me," she said.

Popular Country Music Festival performer Rod Dowsett said the Showcase had deepened his understanding of Aboriginal people.

"Through the Showcase, I have been transformed by the exposure to Aboriginal culture and the performers," he said.

Country Labor MLC for Tamworth Christine Robertson said next year's Showcase planned to stage the Gala Concert in the new 400-seat Capitol Theatre.

"More than 50,000 people from across Australia and overseas attended this year's Country Music Festival," she said.

"The Showcase is a great opportunity for artists to demonstrate their talent and celebrate Australia's proud Aboriginal culture," Ms Robertson said.

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