Tanderrum is a ceremony bringing together the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung, Boon Wurrung, Taungurung, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung language groups of the Eastern Kulin Nation—a ceremony of celebration that reaches across Aboriginal time.
This sacred ceremony had been hidden since European invasion, until six years ago the Eastern Kulin brought Tanderrum back to central Melbourne to open the Festival.
Since then this cross-cultural moment has become an essential and living element of the Festival and a Welcome to Country for local and international artists and audiences.
Through Tanderrum, Melbourne International Arts Festival and its visitors acknowledge the Law (Lore) of Creator Spirit Bunjil and pay their respects to the vibrant and living culture of this land.
When local and international artists pass through the smoke, they agree to follow the Lore of the land and pay their respect to its Custodians before receiving permission to perform song and dance on this land.
This is the Lore of Bunjil that has existed from time immemorial. When people accept the Lore of Bunjil they agree to learn our history and respect our culture.
Photo by @ARJphotographyTM