12th October 2010, Sydney Australia: A unique collection of contemporary Aboriginal Art will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in Sydney on 19th October by national not for profit organisation, the Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES). Marking the official launch of the AES Fund, all proceeds from the event will go towards providing training, support and guidance needed to help Indigenous Australians secure careers.

The rare collection of artwork has been hand selected by renowned collector, philanthropist and curator Ann Lewis AO and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander art specialist Wally Caruana and donated by a number of high profile benefactors and artists, such as Angelina George. Working alongside Karen Brown, at her self-named gallery in Darwin, Angelina like all AES art donators is a keen supporter of the planned AES office in Darwin.

With standout pieces including Gulumbu Yunupingu’s Ganyu, Owen Yalandja’s Yawkyawk and Jan Billycan’s Kirriwirri, the AES have been overwhelmed with the level of support they have received for the Auction to date.

Working closely with Australia’s leading specialists in the field, the AES has invested time travelling across Australia to meet with artists and curators in order to identify exceptional pieces of Aboriginal art. With such generous support from Ann and Wally’s extensive network of art collectors, we are confident the Auction will be an outstanding success, said Danny Lester, AES CEO.

Funds raised at the Auction will support the AES in their work to establish a new office in Darwin and a Centre for Aboriginal Excellence in Moree as well as aid in the continuation of the highly successful AES school-based trainee program.

The AES aims to help Indigenous Australians to turn jobs into careers through the delivery of school based training programs, group training, apprenticeships, recruitment services, mentorships and community based programs – all providing career seekers with the necessary skills to go from workers to being professionals.

To request an invitation to the Auction or for more information about the AES Fund, please contact Sally Biles on 02 8571 0999 or visit http://www.aes.org.au

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For more information please contact:

Lauren Taylor
DEC on behalf of the Aboriginal Employment Strategy
(02) 8014 5038
0439 027 804
l.taylor@deccommunications.com.au

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About AES

A Centre for Indigenous Know How, the AES seeks to bring about significant positive social change by supporting Indigenous Australians in establishing successful careers. They do this through the delivery of school based training programs, group training, apprenticeships, recruitment services, mentorships and community based programs that provide career seekers with the necessary skills to go from workers to being professionals.

About Ann Lewis AO

Ann Lewis was the Director of Sydney’s influential and at times controversial Gallery A in Paddington from 1964 until 1983. She was also a foundation member of the Visual Arts Board, Australia Council, President of the Art Gallery Society in the Art Gallery of NSW, a member of the Aboriginal Arts and Crafts Company and a member of the International Council of the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Ann Lewis has worked tirelessly throughout her lifetime to raise the profile of Australian artists abroad.

About Wally Caruana

Wally Caruana was Senior Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra from 1984 to 2001 during which time he oversaw the development of one of the most important collections of Indigenous Australian art in a public museum.

Caruana is also the author and editor of several publications and exhibition catalogues on indigenous Australian art.

About the Auction

The artwork up for auction comes from many of the best contemporary Aboriginal artists including:

Wakartu Cory Surprise, Sonia Kurarra, Katjarra Butler, Katanari (Nancy) Tjilya Burton, Jan Billycan, Walandkura Reid Napurrula, Djalinda Yunupingu, Dhuwarrwarr Marika, Nyapanyapa Yunupingu, Patrick Mung Mung, Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda, Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, Yinarupa Nangala, Ningura Napurrula, Anmanari Brown, RosieLane, Judy Napangardi Watson, Shorty Jangala Robertson, Kathleen Kngale, Polly Kngale, Tommy Mitchell, Jakayu Biljabu, Angelina George, Joan Nancy Stokes, Sarah Kemerre Nelson, Doreen Reid Nakamarra, OwenYalandja, Anniebell Marrngmarrnga.