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Creative Producer, Ben Graetz Yarns About The Garrmalang Festival



Ben Graetz was born and raised in Darwin, Northern Territory and is a descendant of the Iwaidja and Malak Malak Clans in the Northern Territory and of Badu Island on the Torres Strait Islands of Australia. Ben has been working in the performing arts sector for close to 24 years and has established himself as one of this country’s most dynamic and influential arts makers, working as a performer, director, producer, writer, MC and artistic director.

Garrmalang Festival is a celebration of the artistic richness of First Nations culture, in Darwin, Northern Territory. Entertainment Centre. Garrmalang Festival is Darwin’s premier Australian First Nations cultural festival celebrating music, dance, art, cabaret and theatre. This festival acknowledges the Larrakia people and celebrates the diversity of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous community in the Top End of Australia. It stages a number of events and shows which are appropriate for people of all ages and accessible to the whole community.



The 2021 Festival runs from Saturday 29th - Sunday 30th of May 2021 at Darwin. This is a wonderful event which connects the community and highlights the amazing First Nations talent that the country has to offer. GARRMALANG is the Larrakia word for the Darwin CBD region. One of Ben’s career highlights is starting Darwin’s first ever Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander multi-arts major festival – while working at the Darwin Entertainment as their Creative Producer.

The festival worked with Larrakia Nation and surrounding communities to create a 3-day long festival which celebrates first nation arts and culture both Territory and nationwide. Most recently Ben was the Artistic Director of the Arafura Opening and Closing Celebrations in Darwin in April/May this year. Ben is also the Founder of BRG Productions & Co-CEO of PARTY PASSPORT which is responsible for the award winning NT Mardi Gras Float “Northern Territory Stars”.



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