Patrick Churnside Shares the Spirit of Cultural Exchange in Honiara
BY DESMOND RAHE
Patrick Churnside, a proud Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi man from the Pilbara region in Western Australia, shared his reflections on a powerful cultural exchange between Australian and Solomon Islands artists during a special performance held at Dreamcast Theatre in Koloale.
The event, held on Saturday night, August 9, was part of a weekend-long cultural exchange program between Ngarluma artists, supported by Big hART, and local Dreamcast performers. The artists came together to share their cultures through music, storytelling, animation, and digital art.
“We are here coming from the northwest of Australia in the Pilbara region, and we are here in Solomon Islands for cultural exchange,” Churnside said during an interview with TOURISM MEDIA.
Churnside, a traditional owner, cultural leader, performer, and board member of Big hART, stressed the importance of the arts as a way of life, a means of connection, and a source of identity.
“We came to the Solomon Islands for cultural exchange and also to engage in making art, animations, and digital art. But more importantly, we’re creating relationships and sharing stories with the people,” he said.
He explained that the visit was part of an ongoing partnership between Big hART and Dreamcast Theatre, aimed at building long-term connections through the creative arts.
“The exchange we came for is based on our partnership with Big hART and Dreamcast Theatre. We’re building friendships and sharing values through storytelling and song,” Churnside added.
Throughout the evening, the audience enjoyed heartfelt performances combining traditional songs, modern storytelling, and collaborative works created during the exchange.
“Making music, sharing songs and stories, and creating digital art were some of the work we’ve done,” Churnside said. “And we hope to come back in the future to make more music and create more productions with Dreamcast.”
Churnside also took the time to express his gratitude to the people of Solomon Islands for their warm hospitality.
“Thank you to everyone who welcomed us and cared for us while we’ve been here. And thank you to Dreamcast and all those who supported and worked with us to make this event a success.”
