Optional Session from 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm:
Apmeraltye Ingkerreke (People of the land, all together) #1 - Participatory cultural exchange
This session opens the Apmeraltye Ingkerreke site and introduces the women at Apmeraltye Ingkerreke who are all from Eastern and North Eastern Arrernte families. During the conference they will share language, cross-cultural working protocols and details about their arts and cultural practices, as well as facilitate hands on interaction with their arts practice.
Presenters: Margaret Kemarre Turner, Kathleen Kemarre Wallace, Veronica Perrurle Dobson, Agnes Perrurle Abbott, Mary Mia Mulladad, Amunda Gorey

Opening celebrations will include official speeches and follow with the opening ceremony at the banks of the Todd River. Proceeding will commence at 4.45pm at the Alice Springs Convention Centre.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges, the ceremony will welcome visitors into the Arrernte landscape, the heart of this country. This is a place steeped in story, made rich by the many and varied arrivals of different people throughout time. As the sun hits the ranges, daylight fades and the town quietens, visitors will be immersed in a quintessential ritual hosted by locals and a ceremony of stories and song that reflect the myriad voices that make up this place called Alice and Mparntwe. Co-Artistic Directors – Alex Kelly and Dani Powell, Creative Consultant – Tim Newth