Big art project highlights region’s Indigenous works

Aboriginal art centres and creatives in the Pilbara are set to be mapped for the first time under a $1.3 million dollar project to highlight the unique culture of the region.

The survey comes as part of the State Government’s $8 million Regional Exhibition Touring Boost to activate regional galleries, build audiences and increase access to rural art hubs.

The project was initiated by FORM, which facilitates operations at Port Hedland’s Spinifex Hill Art Studio, as well as participating artists and art centres across WA.

It will offer training and mentorship programs, workshops and trips across country for artists and their communities to enhance professional, economic and cultural development opportunities.

The multi-art form project is supported by the Art Gallery of Western Australia and ART ON THE MOVE and will also celebrate the region’s Aboriginal art.

East Pilbara Martu artists were showcased in the scheme’s first exhibition dubbed What Now? on October 7 in Perth, a display that will run to December 20.

Arts Minister David Templeman said the project would highlight the region and its talent to a wide range of audiences across the country as well as within the State.

“This project celebrates the richness of the Pilbara’s spectacular contemporary Aboriginal art scene and is a project of national and international significance,” he said.

The RETB is continuing to support arts activity in regional communities, supporting social, cultural and economic growth.”

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt said it would cultivate a deeper sense of community.

“It will also nourish social wellbeing and identity by fostering a sense of pride and empowerment through the intergenerational transfer of knowledge and culture,” he said.

“This particularly impacts young people by bolstering their sense of place and belonging.”