‘What we do matters’: Australian performers win prestigious award at Venice
Sydney Morning Herald
by Linda MorrisFebruary 19, 2026
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In a landmark achievement for Australian arts and First Nations culture, Bangarra Dance Theatre has been awarded the prestigious Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement in Dance at the 2026 Venice Biennale. This marks the first time an Australian dance company has received this honor, which is typically given to individual choreographers or dancers. The award recognizes Bangarra’s 37-year legacy of redefining contemporary dance by blending ancient Indigenous storytelling with modern theatricality. Artistic director Frances Rings described the win as a testament to the enduring power of their cultural heritage and the tireless efforts of the company, its dancers, and its communities.
The Golden Lion honor comes after a remarkable year for Australian arts at Venice. In 2024, First Nations artist Archie Moore won a Golden Lion for Best National Participation with his exhibition *kith and kin*, making Australia the first country to have its national pavilion show win the award. This latest achievement for Bangarra further cements Australia’s growing influence on the global arts stage. The Biennale board selected Bangarra for its “unrivalled contribution to the global dance ecology” and its ability to bridge traditional Indigenous practices with avant-garde innovation, as recommended by Sir Wayne McGregor, director of the dance department.
Bangarra, founded in Sydney in 1989 by African-American educator Carole Johnson and National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association graduates, has long been a pioneer in contemporary dance. Under the leadership of Stephen Page (1991–2022) and his
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/19/2026