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February 20, 2026 — 5:30am
In a historic moment for Australian arts and First Nations performers, Bangarra Dance Theatre has been named the recipient of a Golden Lion at the 2026 Venice Biennale.
Bangarra is the first Australian recipient of the Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement in Dance award and the first dance company to receive the honour, which is typically bestowed on individual choreographers or dancers.
“This is a win for the 65,000 years of culture we carry, for every artist who has walked the Bangarra path,” said artistic director and co-chief executive Frances Rings.
“We haven’t toured to Europe since 2017 – it’s been difficult since COVID getting back to international touring and rebuilding our global reputation and, yet, to still be recognised, that’s heartening. It makes me take a deep breath and feel that all this has not been for nothing.
“For our communities, alumni, and dancers who have given so generously, we can be proud of a company that has worked so hard and tirelessly to share their stories. We can be proud in Australia that what we do matters, has impact and resonates around the world.”
The plaudit was announced in Venice on Thursday, two years after First Nations artist Archie Moore won a Golden Lion for Best National Participation at La Biennale de Venezia for his show, kith and kin — marking the first time an Australian national pavilion show had ever won the Golden Lion. The award has the equivalent status in the arts and dance world as the Oscars.
Bangarra’s Golden Lion honours its 37 years redefining contemporary dance language. On the national and world stage, it’s best known for its signature fusion of ancient storytelling and modern theatricality.
The Biennale board, acting on the recommendation of the director of the dance department, Sir Wayne McGregor, selected Bangarra for the company’s “unrivalled contribution to the global dance ecology” and their ability to bridge the ancient and the avant-garde.
Rings and her predecessor, Stephen Page, have had front-row seats to the company’s milestones since it was established in Sydney in 1989 by African-American dancer and educator Carole Johnson, along with graduates from the National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association. Page led the company from 1991 to 2022, collaborating with his brothers, composer David Page and principal dancer Russell Page.
“For a minute there, when I heard that Sir Wayne McGregor wanted to meet with us, I thought Stephen Page might be knighted,” Rings laughs.
The award comes as Bangarra rehearses its collaboration with The Australian Ballet, Flora.
“I’ve got the second act weighing heavily on my shoulders, but it’s getting there. Having double the amount of dancers is some days overwhelming but other days such a privilege to have so many amazing bodies and artists in the room,” Rings says. “It’s a joy.”
Bangarra, now a resident company of the Sydney Opera House, will be awarded during the 20th International Festival of Contemporary Dance, which will take place in Venice from July 17 to August 1, at which the company will perform the European premiere of Terrain.
“It is important at this time where we see the dismantling of culture and it being questioned around the world, and echoes of imperialism slowly creeping back, that what we do is being recognised as a place of truth telling, of recognising the importance of preserving and acknowledging First Nations cultures today,” Rings said.
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