This September, Tura presents Wanim, a new collaboration bringing together award-winning musician Stephen Pigram, Fitzroy Valley singer songwriter Bart Marr and musicians and sound artists Mary Rapp, Carl Dewhurst and Talya Valenti.
Marking 25 years of working with Kimberley communities, Tura’s work across the vast landscapes of northern Western Australia has developed through partnerships with artists and communities in the region.
Projects including The Journey Down, Sound FX and Kimberley Echoes brought together local artists, visiting musicians, community workshops and performances. Wanim continues this powerful meeting of song, story and sound.
From 11-21 September, the ensemble will travel to Kununurra, Warmun, Halls Creek, Wangkatjungka and Fitzroy Crossing before concluding at the Pigram Theatre, Broome Civic Centre.
Rather than presenting a fixed production in each location, Wanim evolves from place to place, shaped by local artists, cultural leaders and the stories of Country, with each event created in conversation with the community that hosts it. From Wangga and Joonba to contemporary songwriting, improvisation and contemporary sound, every performance unfolds as a shared experience.
Wanim builds on an enduring relationship with Yawuru singer, songwriter, guitarist and composer Stephen Pigram, a recent recipient of the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence at the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards, recognising a career spanning more than five decades.
It also honours the legacy of Danny Marr of Fitzroy Xpress through the involvement of his nephew, Fitzroy Valley singer songwriter Bart Marr. Bart has been commissioned to write a new song in language with his mother and family members for Tura’s Sound FX Kimberley Song Muster and is a participant in the 2026 Regional Aboriginal Artist Development Program through Nannup Music Festival.
“Growing up in Fitzroy Crossing, music has always been a big part of my family and community,” says Bart Marr. “My uncle Danny and Fitzroy Xpress have been a big influence on me, so it means a lot to be carrying some of those songs forward while also creating new music.
“With Wanim, I’m looking forward to working with musicians from different backgrounds and sharing what we create with communities across the Kimberley. Every place is different, and it will be good to see how the music develops as we travel.”
Alongside the performances, the Wanim artists will share their music and stories with young people through workshops in schools along the tour route. Featuring stories, songs, singing, percussion and creative improvisation, the workshops will invite students to participate in the music-making.
For Wanim in Fitzroy Crossing, Tura is joining with the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre (KALACC), Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation, Nindilingarri Cultural Health Services and Gurama Yani U to co-present a major cultural performance event on the Mindi Rardi Cultural Festival grounds.
“Tura works with artists and communities across Australia, commissioning new work and building long-term creative relationships,” says Tura Artistic Director Tos Mahoney.
“Our work in the Kimberley has been a major part of that story for 25 years. Wanim builds on those relationships while creating new opportunities for artistic collaboration, community connection and the celebration of culture, old and new.”
Wanim travels across the Kimberley from 11-21 September 2026. All dates (excluding Broome) are free to attend. Bring a blanket/chair. Broome is a seated show.
TOUR DATES
Sunday 13 September: Kununurra - Waringarri Aboriginal Centre, 5pm
Monday 14 September: Warmun - Warmun Arts Centre, Joonba Ground, 5pm
Tuesday 15 September: Halls Creek - Pioneer Park, 5:30pm
Wednesday 16 September: Wangkatjungka [Community only]
Thursday 17 September: Fitzroy Crossing - Mindi Radi Cultural Festival Grounds, 5pm
Sunday 20 September: Broome - Pigram Theatre, Broome Civic Centre, 6:15pm. TICKETS
PHOTO: Stephen Pigram, who joins Bart Marr, Mary Rapp, Carl Dewhurst and Talya Valenti for Tura’s Wanim Tour across the Kimberley this September. By Edify Media
