Volume: 14  Number: 6  Page: 545–561  doi:10.2167/jost 601.0

A Life Cycle Model for Aboriginal Arts Performance in Tourism: Perspectives on Authenticity

Philip Feifan Xiea and Bernard Laneb aSchool of Human Movement, Sport and Leisure Studies, Bowling Green State University, Ohio, USA and bCentre for Tourism and Cultural Change, Sheffield Hallam University, UK

This paper suggests a life cycle model for aboriginal arts performance in tourism related situations from the perspective of authenticity. It is proposed that aboriginal arts performance is subject to a change and potential revitalisation process which consists of five stages: (1) the primordial state; (2) increasing involvement; (3) situational adaptations; (4) revitalisation; and (5) management for change, conservation or decline. The paper also examines the existing literature concerning authenticity in the field of tourism. It is designed to help understand and manage the increasingly complex world in which aboriginal arts can decline, survive or change.

Keywords: aboriginal arts performance, tourism, authenticity, cultural life cycles

© 2006 P. F. Xie & B. lane

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