Indigenous artists perform in the Australia Pavilion to celebrate Oceania Month. [Source: China Daily/Gao Erqiang]

The Australia Pavilion is hosting the largest ever performance of Australian indigenous culture in China as part of the celebrations for Oceania Month.

"Our pavilion is using the Expo 2010 Shanghai as a vehicle to showcase the capabilities, people and culture of Australia that reflects the multicultural nature of the country and our own unique history," said Lyndall Sachs, commissioner-general of the Australia Pavilion.

During Oceania Month, the Australia Pavilion has prepared an unique line-up of indigenous artists from the Torres Strait Islands and the Australian mainland in a feast of creativity, energy and pride formed by their indigenous cultures.

These artists include the Ariw Poenipan Torres Strait Cultural Group; the Mornington Island Aboriginal Dancers; B2M, a contemporary Aboriginal singing group. Also, Aboriginal visual artists Wendy Nungarrayi Brown and Alma Nungarrayi Granites will demonstrate their distinctive artwork.

In addition to the indigenous focus during Oceania Month, Australia's vibrant cultural and artistic life will be on show with performances by visiting artists including percussion group Tetrafide, pianists Aidan Boase and Camilla Wong, guitarist Jeff Lang and street theatre group Bizircus.

Ariw Poenipan Torres Strait Cultural Group is lead by prominent elder Jeff Aniba-Waia. Ariw Poenipan means "the lightening that pierces the rain, and echoing thunder of the monsoon season". Visitors will see their traditional costumes, craftsmanship and dance during Oceania Month.