As artists, the purpose of our work is to bring people together through shared cultural experiences. We tell our stories, honour those who came before, pass down our knowledge, and create change.
Similarly, the upcoming referendum is a time for all people of Australia to come together and vote to acknowledge and start reconciling the crimes of the past against the First Peoples of this nation. It's a chance to say we want real and practical change, more than just words of apologies and acknowledgements.
I am honoured to live in a country that has such a long and diverse cultural history, and have such deep respect for the many people who are continuing, restoring, and sharing this culture with the rest of us. There is so much we can learn from these leaders and knowledgekeeps, and its time we showcase their voices, from and for their people.
It is my duty as an artist, and as a leader, to use my skills to take part in active reconciliation of the impacts of colonisation. My skills do not lie in policy, economics, or debating, but in sharing people's stories with people.
We have large audiences and networks of people from all sorts of backgrounds.
Through our work we are able to spread awareness of the Voice and why we should come together to vote YES.
- Alexander Poirier
President
Conservatorium Students' Association
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