submissions & questions >> decolonise@gmail.com
submissions now open, program finalised March 2012
ABOUT 2012
15 NovThe festival takes place over four days, spread across the queen’s birthday long-weekend, from Thursday 7th – Sunday 11th June, 2012.
As the Do-It-Yourself ethic suggests, DECOLONISE 2012 will take place in alternative/DIY all-ages spaces around sydney’s Newtown and Marrickville precincts. We hope to provide workshops so the festival community can empower itself by sharing and learning hands-on skills. 2 Punk shows, a folk show, a film night, spoken word, a dance party/reclaim the lanes, and a body-modification ball – if we’re lucky. Other ideas? Anyone out there?
The queen’s birthday long weekend celebrates australia’s compliance with commonwealth. This is the perfect moment to discuss and talk back to the colonial forces in our lives. There will be a “Decolonise Reader/Zine” featuring relevant festival information, maps, community ads and theoretical writings.
Politic
15 NovHow do we decolonise our bodies, our behaviours and our minds?
We find ourselves, from time to time, overwhelmed by the narratives published in the media, before daybreak,the stories that speak louder than those we know, because the wealthy and powerful invest in those stories. It’s time to tell our own.
Let’s talk about the colonising forces of state governance, capitalism, patriarchy, racism and homophobia. Let’s talk about privilege, heterosexim and much more.
This is an emotionally-charged festival made by punks, queers, scumbags and anarchists.
A shout in a room full of quiet chatter. Deviants of all genders, sexualities, skin types and abilities invited.
DIY Venues
3 MayDecolonise is run by a bunch of punks who are interested wholeheartedly in DIY venues, autonomous space and our ability to freely run shows and venues, without having to conform to government standards and council regulations.
We all know Sydney’s pub venues are shit (if not you can read about it here – http://blackwiretocommonground.blogspot.com/2011/03/why-sydney-pub-venues-are-shithouse.html), so it’s important that we still support the DIY spaces around Sydney that we know and love.
But wait, there’s more…
Getting to and from the festival!
3 MayWorked out where you’re staying whilst in Sydney? Or you already live in Sydney but aren’t quite sure on the best way to travel to the events/shows? Then it’s probably important that you know how to get to each of the venues Decolonise is being held at. Or more importantly, how you’re getting home!
To be updated soon!
Safer Spaces
3 MayBe a part of a community that creates safer spaces for everyone:
We all grew up in a society that wreaks of racism, sexism, heterosexism, homophobia and a long list of other horrible “ism’s”, that have the potential for making individual’s feel really uncomfortable in their surroundings. And even when we’re in a social context wher…e we are actively resisting these oppressions, it sadly does not mean that it happens… ESPECIALLY when alcohol & drugs are involved.
Whilst there cannot be a truly ‘safe’ space for every person, we would like this event to be safer for the people attending and participating in the event. Our ultimate hope for Decolonise II is for it to be an event that is fun for all attending and where everyone is given the respect and care that we each deserve.
At Decolonise II there is no space or tolerance for:
- racist, sexist, homophobic, discriminatory or otherwise offensive language and behaviours
- any forms of threats, creepiness, sleaziness, violence, sexual assault & harassment or otherwise indecent forms of behaviour
Therefore, by attending this event you are agreeing to respect other people, their space and their values. If you don’t stick to these guidelines, then be aware that action will be taken. Remember, everyone is responsible and accountable for themselves, no matter their condition.
It is important that you stay responsible for your own safety this weekend and that you are aware of your own behaviours. But if you experience or witness something shitty, that you’re not down with or that makes you feel uncomfortable, please don’t feel scared or hesitant in approaching one of the organisers at the event. We feel it’s important for you to know that we are here to support you. You can find us at the door, behind the bar, in the kitchen or setting up the gear/stage!
NO JERKS!!
Love the Decolonise Collective
