Working with indigenous artistic communities, how to support, advocate for them and disseminate their knowledge

In this episode of IETM Global Pod, moderator Gulli Sekse is joined by Global Connectors Andreia Duarte (Brazil) and Louise Gallagher (Aotearoa New Zealand) for an important conversation about working with Indigenous artistic communities, supporting Indigenous-led artistic practice, and rethinking collaboration through decolonial perspectives. Together, they explore how Indigenous knowledge systems, languages, cosmologies, and artistic practices challenge institutional structures and offer new ways of understanding community, ecology, identity, and collective responsibility.GuestsGulli Sekse (Norway)Founder of Vertica, a platform for dramaturgy, artistic strategy, and distribution based in Bergen, Norway. Gulli works internationally across performing arts collaboration and artistic development.Andreia Duarte (Brazil)Art director, curator, actress, and researcher based in São Paulo. Andreia has spent more than twenty-five years collaborating with Indigenous artists, leaders, and communities across Brazil, focusing on decolonial artistic practice, ecology, embodiment, and cultural exchange.Louise Gallagher (Aotearoa New Zealand)CEO of Performing Arts Network of New Zealand (PANNZ). Louise works closely with Māori and Pasifika artists, advocating for Indigenous contemporary performance practices nationally and internationally.Episode HighlightsWorking ethically with Indigenous artistic communitiesMāori contemporary performance and cultural revitalisationIndigenous artistic practices beyond Western categorisationDecolonising institutions and leadership structuresThe relationship between art, land, ecology, and collective knowledgeLanguage preservation through contemporary performanceCollaboration through listening, consultation, and shared decision-makingThe risks Indigenous artists and communities face politically and economicallyKey Discussion PointsIndigenous Knowledge & Contemporary PerformanceLouise and Andreia discuss how Indigenous contemporary performance practices combine storytelling, spirituality, ecology, language, and political reflection in ways that often move beyond Western artistic categories and structures.Decolonising Artistic InstitutionsThe conversation explores how organisations can work intentionally to decolonise their internal structures through representation, consultation, cultural protocols, and Indigenous leadership embedded at every level of decision-making.Art, Ecology & Collective ResponsibilityAndreia reflects on how Indigenous cosmologies understand land, rivers, forests, plants, and animals as interconnected living systems rather than resources to exploit, fundamentally reshaping ideas about community and artistic responsibility.Language as Cultural SurvivalLouise shares how contemporary Māori theatre and performance contribute to language revitalisation and cultural continuity, demonstrating that Indigenous language is not a barrier to international audiences but a source of artistic strength.Collaboration Through ListeningBoth guests emphasise that meaningful collaboration begins with listening, long conversations, trust-building, and shared decision-making — particularly around representation, institutional relationships, and financial structures.Protecting Indigenous Rights & Cultural FuturesThe episode highlights the ongoing political and economic pressures facing Indigenous communities, including land exploitation, underfunding, and policy changes that threaten Indigenous rights and cultural progress.Memorable Quotes“It’s important to listen to their point of view, what they think about what they want.” — Andreia Duarte“What is good for Māori is good for all of us.” — Louise Gallagher“It’s not for me necessarily to understand, but for me not to block.” — Louise Gallagher“The land is not ours — it’s a collective space.” — Andreia DuarteAbout IETM Global ConnectThe IETM Global Pod is part of the IETM Global Connect programme, bringing together performing arts professionals from across continents to exchange perspectives on urgent global issues shaping artistic practice today.More information:IETM Global Connect — IETMCreditsProduced by:Margherita Petti, Lottie Atkin, Giselle Musabimana & Ilaria De MarchRecorded, edited & produced by:Ben Phoenix /  NEXI MediaCo-funded by:IETM Associate Members & the European Union