First International Gathering, Melbourne (2004)
South 1, The Gathering: a new conversation
1 - 4 July 2004, Sidney Myer Asia Centre
University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Future Gatherings
Speakers
It’s a bit difficult to find words that would capture the exhilarating emotions and energy of these four days! I feel very privileged to have been part of this journey. Isabelle Genoux, Radio Australia
Occasionally in the midst of all this whirlwind we abide in encircling art audiences funding planning making talking and thinking—something heartfelt and real occurs.... we hold on to these moments and they become cornerstones of our thinking and feeling about what we do and who we are. The South Gathering has created such a moment for all those involved. Rhana Devenport, Australia
‘The ‘gathering’ of the countries of the South in Melbourne was a unique experience and... such a meeting of the South to discuss sensitive issues about ‘who we are’ or maybe ‘who are we?’ in the world, has never been done before. This was therefore a very different conference where issues of cultural identity, oppression, slavery, economics, survival and the future were debated in an honest and sometimes emotional way.
Bernard Smith, South Africa
