Commitment to community
MSF is rooted in its Connection to local community, and driven by inclusion and co-creation with the Maali public. In alignment with the ongoing National cultural policy, Our Festival advocates for a “place for every story” , continuing to be, shaped by, and for the voices, needs and hopes of the community.
We are dedicated to listening deeply, sharing decision making and learning, and creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. MCF recognise that community perspectives and knowledge are central to the ongoing development of this festival, and through our commitment to advocating for and platforming local Maali voices and Embracing community co-design, We will continue to share new story with new faces, young and old.
Community Co-Design: MSF commits Itself to creating a shared cultural space, with Maali community groups, schools, libraries, and artists being consulted in the development of the festival’s themes and stories.
Local Voices Programming: mSF ensures It’s content Programming includes local Artists values and needs. Through Discussions with our community, we can ensure that our cultural event(s) and activities remain locally driven, with Community voices and Participation encouraged as a way to share knowledge and perspectives.
accessibility across all ages and identities, Our goal is to ensure that no person is prevented from enjoying or participating in the festival due to disability, age, language, or any access needs. guided by legal mandates under the DDA, MSF will provide equal access to services or public places to ensure all identities are Undiscriminated against, regardless of disability or age.
The festival programming will include specific measures to ensure events are sensory inclusive and accommodating of diverse needs. Key performances We offer Auslan-interpreted sessions for Deaf attendees and live captioning where possible. READ OUR ACCESS INFORMATION PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS
respect for knowledge sharing and storytelling
Our festival is guided by First Nations voices. A Cultural Advisory Circle of elders voices , youth and artists Assist to shape our Programming and create respectful access to how stories are shared.
MFC also ensures space for informal, respectful dialogue between First Nations Elders and younger generations to support cultural continuity.
Commitment to ICIP: MSF Respects Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) Policies Into our Decision making process. In accordance with ICIP
cultural knowledge and expressions must be handled with proper consultation, attribution, and permission, ensuring recognition of first nations people as the primary guardians and interpreters of their cultures.
MSF recognises that ICIP includes oral histories, spoken word, song lines, ceremonial practices, other forms of cultural expression. We are Committed to:
Seeking informed consent from Aboriginal custodians before any cultural content is Recorded, shared or presented.
We give credit to first nations storytellers and ensure clear benefits and compensation are outlined prior to event commencement.
We Acknowledge some stories are private or sacred. We respect the cultural authority of Elders and community members and do not publish these stories
we ensure cultural integrity through making sure stories from first nations people are not altered or misrepresented, or used out of context.
Commitment to Voices of Country
We acknowledge Noongar People are the spiritual and cultural Owners of this place and we honour and respect the caretakers and custodians of this land. MSF commit’s itself to placing Noongar communities at the forefront of our Programming, storytelling, and governance, following the NCP Revive’s First Nations First Pillar,which Recognises
the crucial place of First Nations stories at the centre of Australia’s arts and culture.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodians hold authority over their narratives, voice, and storytelling. our Festival, providing structures for their Preservation and continuation.
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
MSF commits itself to low-waste, low-impact methods in the planning and execution of it’s activities. These include specific stratagies to ensure our events contribute to WA’s cultural infrastructure framework for a resilient cultural ecosystem. We actively implement the following strategies to maintain an environmental sustainability is met across the board:
Elimination of single-use plastics and low-wate tactics: We will provide water refill stations, ban helium balloons and excessive confetti, supply clear recycling and compost options. Our volunteer “Green Team” supporting waste sorting and maintenance.
Use of Emission lighting and staging: We will use LED and solar lighting for our life performances, choose low-emission generators, and promote public/active transport with pre-established community bike racks, transperth links, and shuttle busses.
Prioritise recycled or reusable materials: We will source eco-friendly merchandise, and local/seasonal food, with a preference given to suppliers with strong environmental and social responsibility practices.
MAALI STORYWALK FESTIVAL 