Project
Ritual was the official opening performance of the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre in 2012, created by Gundungurra performer Ian RT Colless and his New York-based Untitled|Collective. It featured music by Robby Dwayne, and dancers Ian RT Colless (Artistic Director) and Katie Moorhead (Rehearsal Director). Presented as part of the launch celebrations, the work transformed a formal civic occasion into something more reflective of place and Country, creating a powerful moment of cultural recognition at the Centre’s opening.

Process
I co-developed the project with Ian RT Colless and worked closely with Elders, community representatives and the Council’s Aboriginal Liaison Officer to ensure Traditional Protocols were embedded throughout. Consultation informed both the performance and the broader opening event, with First Nations voices helping shape how the Cultural Centre introduced itself to the community. To extend the life of what was originally a one-off performance, I also commissioned filmmaker Natalie van den Dungen to document the development process and final work.

Outcomes
The project demonstrated how cultural institutions can work with First Nations artists and communities in ways that are guided by protocol rather than symbolism. It strengthened relationships between the Cultural Centre, local Elders and the wider community, while creating greater visibility for regional First Nations artists. The documentary film remains an important record of both the performance and the collaborative process behind it.

Ongoing
Ritual continues to influence how I approach partnerships between artists, communities and cultural institutions. It reinforced the importance of taking time to build relationships, listening to cultural knowledge holders and recognising documentation as part of the work itself. These lessons have informed much of my subsequent practice in regional cultural development.