A group of artworkers have used a visit to Melbourne for personal and career development. The ten artworkers from across Central Australia took part in ˜Marrka Wangka’ “ meaning ˜strong talk’ “ a five day training program designed to develop confidence and skills in public speaking organised by Desart’s Aboriginal Artworker program. The artworkers came from Arlpwe Art and Culture, Julalikari Arts, Papunya Tjupi Art Centre, Titjikala Art Centre, Tjarlirli Art, Warakurna Artists, and Warlayirti Artists.
The group was set a course of personal challenges including driving up mountains, going to the 55th floor of the Rialto building, braving cold weather, city traffic, footy crowds and being squeezed into a crowded city tram. In addition they attended training workshops held at the Wilin Centre of the Victorian College of the Arts and Coonara in the Dandenong Ranges. The Artworkers created a visual story using photos from their Art Centres and presented them on stage to an audience of a hundred people.
˜It is really scary being the only person on stage with an audience.’ said Tisha Corbett, an artworker from Ali Curung. ˜Going to Melbourne we went from being shy to being able to mix with the people, introduce ourselves and talk about ourselves to strangers.’ added Tisha.
