Bangarra Dance Theatre has made history as the first Australian company to receive the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in Dance, awarded by the Biennale Danza 2026, the dance division of La Biennale di Venezia.
The award recognises a lifetime of transformative work in dance, celebrating artists and companies that have evolved the art form while drawing on the vitality of their cultures. Traditionally given to individual choreographers and dancers, Bangarra is the first company to receive the honour.
Minister for the Arts Tony Burke praised the award as a landmark moment for Australian dance.
“For the arts, no award is greater, and for Australian dance, there is no greater company than Bangarra. This isn’t simply appearing on the world stage — this is them owning it.”
Rings, a Mirning woman and co-CEO of Bangarra, paid tribute to all those who contributed to the company’s 37-year history.
“I am truly honoured to receive this award on behalf of Bangarra,” she said, acknowledging founders Uncle Rob Bryant, Cheryl Stone, Carole Y. Johnson, and former Artistic Director Stephen Page, who led the company for over 30 years alongside his brothers Russell and David Page.
Stephen Page, Munaldjali and Nunukul man, added, “We are deeply humbled for this recognition of our distinctive dance language, both contemporary and traditional, that has survived nationally and globally for almost 35 years.”
“Our First Peoples’ artistic kinship system is at the heart of our creative legacy.”
Bangarra Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, described the recognition as “a powerful moment for Australian culture, celebrating Bangarra’s artistic excellence and storytelling, grounded in the world’s oldest continuing culture.”
Founded in 1989 from the energy of the National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA), Bangarra continues to tour across Australia and internationally, sharing First Nations culture through dance, music, poetry, and theatre. Its 13 professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers represent the best of Australian talent, performing on Country, in regional towns, and on iconic national and international stages.
The Golden Lion will be presented during the 20th International Festival of Contemporary Dance in Venice, running from 17 July to 1 August 2026. Bangarra will also showcase the European premiere of Artistic Director Frances Rings’ acclaimed work Terrain.
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