TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Indigenous Taiwanese artists are being celebrated in a week-long program for the first time at this year’s YIRRAMBOI Festival for First Nations arts in Melbourne, Australia.

Five groups of Taiwan First Nations artists have been invited to participate in the Taiwan Focus program as cultural ambassadors of the country’s indigenous arts communities. Attendees include two-time First Prize winner of the Pulima Art Prize Labay Eyong (Truku), Amis musician Kaolo, singer and performer Don Don Hounwn alongside the Elug Art Corner, and TAI Body Theatre led by award-winning choreographer Watan Tusi.

(Photo: Indigenous Peoples Cultural Foundation)

Taiwan's very first Miss First Nation drag beauty pageant winner Rose Mary has been invited as a judge and guest performer at the YIRRAMBOI Miss First Nation Grand Final between May 9 and 11.

The Taiwan Focus program is the result of a reciprocal partnership that began in 2018 when YIRRAMBOI and Australian First Nations creatives participated in Taiwan’s indigenous arts Pulima festival. Performances and workshops have been organized for each day of the program at this year’s festival to illuminate Taiwan’s First Nations talents.

The program opened with a music concert in Melbourne Town Hall on May 4 featuring collaborations with international performers. Labay Eyong on Sunday hosted an exhibition and weaving workshop.

(Photo: Indigenous Peoples Cultural Foundation)

TAI Body Theatre is to host collaborative performances and a music and dance workshop with Melbourne-based indigenous choreographer Carly Sheppard on Friday and Saturday. The event culminates with the crowning of Miss First Nations 2019 featuring a guest performance from Taiwanese drag queen Rose Mary.