Australia celebrates Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Golden Lion Award

International honour shows why long-term investment in Australian arts and culture matters.

Think tank A New Approach (ANA) has warmly congratulated Bangarra Dance Theatre on being awarded the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale Danza 2026, one of the world’s highest honours in the performing arts. Achievements such as this should encourage Australia to be highly ambitious for our artists and cultural organisations, particularly as we develop our next National Cultural Policy.

The award, which was presented yesterday, places Bangarra alongside a small and distinguished group of Australian artists and companies to receive Golden Lions at the Venice Biennale since 2024: Back to Back Theatre, artist Archie Moore and filmmaker Peter Weir. For Australian creative talent to be recognised across artforms over such a short period of time represents a landmark cultural moment for our nation.

ANA Chair Rupert Myer AO said Bangarra’s success was a source of enormous pride for Australia and a powerful demonstration of the strength of the nation’s artists and creators.

“This is an extraordinary achievement for Bangarra Dance Theatre and for Australia. The Golden Lion is one of the world’s most prestigious cultural honours and recognises years of artistic excellence, cultural leadership and creative ambition.”

Mr Myer said the award also illustrated the importance of sustained investment in Australia’s cultural infrastructure.

“Achievements of this significance do not happen overnight. They are built over decades through visionary leadership, exceptional artists, committed audiences and sustained public and private investment. Australia’s greatest cultural successes are the product of such long-term commitments that enable artists and organisations to develop ambitious work, take creative risks and achieve excellence globally.”

For more than three decades, Bangarra Dance Theatre has captivated audiences in Australia and around the world through its distinctive artistic practice, sharing First Nations stories with authenticity, innovation and cultural authority. The company’s work has become one of Australia’s most celebrated creative exports, transforming international understanding of Indigenous Australian culture.

Mr Myer said the award demonstrates that Australia has the capacity to produce artists and cultural organisations of genuine global significance.

“When artists are given the opportunity to develop their practice over time, the results can be extraordinary. Recognition such as this strengthens Australia’s cultural reputation, expands our international influence and highlights the enduring contribution that arts and culture make to our society, economy and democracy.

“This Golden Lion is not only a celebration of Bangarra. It is a reminder that sustained investment in artistic excellence creates cultural legacies that enrich Australia and earn global accolades – strengthening Australia’s reputation as a nation of creativity, cultural confidence and artistic excellence, and showing that Australian artists and institutions can shape conversations around the world.

“The award enhances Australia’s global attractiveness by building international respect, attracting cultural partnerships and tourism, and reinforcing Australia’s standing as an innovative, outward-looking society whose First Nations cultures are among its greatest strengths.”

ANA congratulates Bangarra Dance Theatre, Artistic Director Frances Rings, the dancers and creative teams, the Board and the generations of artists, leaders, audiences, governments, philanthropists and supporters whose vision and commitment have shaped the company’s remarkable journey.

Cover photo by jens schwan on Unsplash