Reconciliation
Reconciliation Action Plan
Opera Australia celebrates and elevates First Nations peoples as the original storytellers of this ancient land.
Our vision is to advance reconciliation through continual cultural learning and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities. We will create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, art practitioners, administrators and leaders to work in a culturally safe environment and nurture First Nations performance, production, and storytelling.
Opera Australia rejoices in the elemental connection of music, stories and celebrating our humanity that unites our cultures and links us all.
The Voice to Parliament – statement of support by OA Board and Executive
Opera Australia is proud to work, and perform, on the lands of the Gadigal people in Sydney and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurring people in Melbourne. We are also privileged to perform around Australia on the lands of many First Nations people and recognise and thank the custodians of the unceded lands on which we create, perform and work.
The lands across Australia have been a gathering place for storytelling, community and culture for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for over 60,000 years. A place where the long history of our country is preserved and kept alive for future generations.
We honour this history and wisdom and are grateful to be able to contribute to the tradition of telling stories on these lands through music and song.
Opera Australia is committed to acknowledging and respecting First Nations cultures, and to using our national platform to advance the conversation towards reconciliation. We will continue to take active steps in our own company to provide support for First Nations creatives, artists and performers to share their stories.
While respectful of any alternate opinions amongst our employees, audience and supporters, the Board and Executive of Opera Australia accept the invitation to walk with First Nations people and to support a First Nations Voice to Parliament by voting ‘Yes’ in the upcoming referendum.
Enshrining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recognition and the Voice in the Constitution will allow First Nations people to have a say in matters that relate to them creating a more inclusive and equitable Australia.
Artwork: ‘Barabi’ (2023) by Jasmine Sarin
