Who we are
GARUWA is a First Nations led creative agency dedicated to the practice of intergenerational storytelling. Diversity is the core strength of our work.
We are a proudly intercultural group of creatives, unified by a shared passion for the power of imagination and a vision for change.
Founded by Worimi siblings Genevieve Grieves and Kieran Satour, First Nations knowledges and culture are central to GARUWA’s ways of being. Grounded in collaborative and holistic approaches we work ethically, respectfully and innovatively to share stories that make change and create a better future for generations to come.
We develop culturally informed creative projects across animation, audio, film, documentary, exhibitions, installations, motion graphics, research, photography, publishing and video.
Our team comes from a long lineages of storytellers and continue these traditions in new forms. Our team of incredible creatives includes First Nations peoples from language groups across the Country, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and descendants with migrant backgrounds representing cultural heritage from Aotearoa, Italy, Ireland, Holland, Lebanon, and the Philippines.
What we do
“GARUWA brings the importance of cultural humility and the delicate nature of First Nations principles such as listening to their projects and cultivates spaces for audiences to gain insight into the fundamentals of relationship, responsibility, and accountability in First Nations cultures.” — Dr Romaine Moreton, (Goenpul, Yagerabul, Minjungbul and Bundjalung), Director of First Nations and Outreach, Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS)
Our offerings include:
- Screen and sound: High-end, powerful documentary projects designed to amplify the voices of First Nations and under-represented people and communities.
- Strategy: Strategic cultural and creative guidance for values-led organisations.
- Communications: Decolonising and Indigenising marketing to re-design content creation for our communities and organisations.
- Experiential: Large-scale public art and infrastructure projects re-asserting First Nations narratives in public spaces.
- Capacity building: Training for storytellers motivated by impact and purpose.
Collaboration and community are at the forefront of everything we do. We are deeply embedded in the communities that we share the stories of.
Our work
Motherhood in the colony
VideosMotherhood is the transmission of wisdom across time and generations. In post-referendum Australia, shaped by colonial violence and policies of erasure, 'Motherhood in the Colony' breaks barriers by facilitating an intimate cross-cultural exchange between First Nations and Palestinian women, unravelling stories of colonial trauma and emancipatory care and resistance while inviting audiences to listen, learn, and envision a future beyond the oppressive structures of the ongoing frontier.
Motherhood in the colonyCracks in the Ice
VideosThis series of films explores representations of people impacted by crystal methamphetamine (Ice) in creative interpretations of testimonies collected by the Matilda Centre, at The University of Sydney.
Cracks in the IceFirst Nations Impact Lab
OtherLed by First Nations facilitators Genevieve Grieves and Laurrie Mansfield, the 4-day participatory Lab is an immersive experience on Wodi Wodi Country in Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales. We will connect, exchange ideas and resources, immerse ourselves in local, national and international case studies and dissect effective strategies for using independent documentary film as a tool for changemaking.
First Nations Impact LabBreak the Cycle
VideosThe best thing a smoker or vaper can do is quit smoking. NSW Health and The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at The University of Sydney are working together to support young mob in quitting smoking or vaping. These harmful habits impact your health and the health of those around you. Breaking the habit can be easy for some people and hard for others, but it is possible.
Break the Cycle
Head office:
- Northern Territory
Service location(s):
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Western Australia
- Victoria
Type(s) of actor:
- Social Enterprises
Area(s) of activity:
.png)