NAFA was excited to present a full program of over 350 shows for the 2021 festival, following a scaled-back season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Townsville went into a 3-day COVID lockdown in June, which raised concerns about the festival's cancellation.
Although the lockdown was lifted and new restrictions were in place, the breakout led to the cancellation of 97 shows. Despite these challenges, we were able to regroup and successfully deliver 243 shows, with an attendance of nearly 27,000. Read about some of the 2021 show highlights below.

DUNGARRI NYA NYA NGARRI BI NYA

The Wulgurukaba, Bindal, Gugu Badhun, and Nywaigi peoples have maintained a profound and respectful bond with the land and sea in our region for thousands of years. Recently, six local First Nations groups, namely the Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, Big Eye Theatre Dancers, Komet Dancers, Obery Sambo, Meriam Dancers, and Bindal Dancers, united after decades to collaborate and create a new performance called Dungarri Nya Nya Ngarri Bi Nya in partnership with Dancenorth Australia. This remarkable piece, commissioned by NAFA, received the PAC Australia - APAX 2022 Impact Award at the Sydney Opera House.

MESSENGERS OF TOWNSVILLE

In July, Townsville was visited by majestic giant Gouldian Finches, spreading messages of hope. These vibrant birds, created by the renowned artist Florentijn Hofman and brought to life by Brisbane's Urban Art Projects, served as a delightful reminder to lift your gaze and embrace joy. 

POSE

POSE 2021 was a collaboration between NAFA and Wearable Art Creatives, aiming to celebrate the world of wearable art. Over 30 talented wearable art artists from all over Australia showcased their extraordinary skills during the event. To enhance the artists' visions, a team of specialists in hair and makeup provided their support.

Additionally, POSE introduced People, Culture, and Country, which featured collaborative wearable artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from North Queensland state schools. This collaborative event was brought to life with the help of Big Eye Theatre performers and local dance company, Ulysses Dancers. 

YANA GAIR LE

The exhibition titled Yana Gair Le was organised by Umbrella Studios and commissioned by NAFA. This exhibition showcased contemporary visual art created by First Nations artists from various regions of Australia who live in North Queensland.

The term 'Yana' in the language of the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba people, who are the Traditional Owners of Townsville, means 'walk'. Similarly, in Meriam Mer, the language of the Mer (Murray Island) people, 'Gair le' translates to 'together'. Through this exhibition, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists came together and walked as one.

FESTIVAL PROGRAM
IMPACT REPORT