Indigenous Art ˜Paints’ Sydney

For the first time Art & About will include an Indigenous art program featuring a range of contemporary works by urban and rural artists; from traditional dot painting to stencil art, from shell art to sculptural weaving.

A large traditional Smoking Ceremony in Hyde Park will launch the program of exhibitions, workshops and talks.

Art & About will bring beautiful Indigenous art and stories into the public domain, sharing and celebrating the contemporary culture of the first Australians, Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said.

Events NSW CEO Geoff Parmenter said that major events and tourism are an excellent way for the community and visitors to engage and explore our Indigenous culture and heritage. The Indigenous arts program offers something new for the community to experience and enjoy and we are thrilled to be supporting this important part of Art & About this year, he said.

NSW Aboriginal art will fly from street poles across the city in this year’s Open Gallery, with original works on display in the AMP foyer at Circular Quay.

Open Gallery curator Djon Mundine OAM said: We paint the land is not a cliché, and it is appropriate that here and now we ˜paint’ Sydney.

The City of Sydney produced arts festival brings stimulating and engaging art and events to Sydney residents and visitors from 1- 25 October 2009.

Art & About is part of Crave Sydney, a major celebration of Sydney’s unmatched way of life, offering 31 days of food, outdoor art and fun.

Smoking Ceremony
Aboriginal people have used smoke and fire as a form of cleansing for thousands of years. Be a part of a traditional Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony in Hyde Park North to pay respect to the first Australians.
When: 1 October, 6:15pm
Where: Hyde Park North

Open Gallery Original Artwork Exhibition
Get close to this year’s striking Open Gallery banners with this exhibition of the original artworks that are reproduced and displayed across our City streets.
When: 1- 25 October
Where: AMP Foyer, 33 Alfred Street, Sydney
Presented in association with Campbelltown Arts Centre

Open Gallery Artists Forum
In conversation with Elaine Russell, Frances Belle Parker, Warwick Keen and Milton Budge.
When: Friday 2 October 2009 at 1.00pm
Where: Parliament House Fountain Court, Macquarie Street.
Free but bookings essential: 9265 9141.
Presented in association with Campbelltown Arts Centre.

2009 Parliament of NSW Aboriginal Art Prize
The Parliament of New South Wales Aboriginal Art Prize is awarded annually to an Aboriginal artist who belongs to a NSW language group or was born in NSW.
When: 30 September “ 29 October 2009, 9am-4.30pm (Mon-Fri). Official opening 21 October.
Where: NSW Parliament House, Macquarie Street Sydney
Presented in association with Campbelltown Arts Centre.

Indigenous Artist Workshops
Create a pair of shell-worked slippers with Esme Timbery, famous for her shell Harbour Bridges which she made with her family for new migrants arriving at Circular Quay. Or learn to tell your own story through art with Elaine Russell.
When: Saturday 10 October & Sunday 11 October, 11.00am – 4.00pm each day.
Where: Customs House Square, Circular Quay.
Free but bookings essential: 02 9265 9141
Presented in association with Campbelltown Arts Centre.

Menagerie
A stunning showcase of contemporary sculpture from Indigenous artists featuring unique portrayals of Australian native animals, presented by Object Gallery and The Australian Museum.
When: 5 September – 15 November
Where: Object Gallery, 417 Bourke Street Surry Hills

Intertwining
Join Menagerie artists Marina Murdilinga and Penny Milingu Wanapuyngu from Arnhem Land and Vicki West from Tasmania as they collaborate with Sydney based designer Lucy Simpson and other local artists in a day-long outdoor sculptural weaving demonstration. A chance to purchase woven items, including bags, baskets and small sculptures.
When: 3 October, 11am-4pm
Where: Hyde Park

Art & About is proudly sponsored by Strategic Partner Events NSW, Major Sponsor AMP Capital Investors, and Media Partner Sydney Morning Herald.