Osez l’Australie
I distinctly recall writing a story about the incoming Labor Government in 2007 making virtually its first decision in the arts area to cancel all funding for overseas exposure of Read More
Dark Emu Debate
I have an admission to make. I've never read 'Dark Emu'. I have, on the other hand, read Bruce Pascoe's predecessor book, the much more aggressive and more localised, 'Convincing Read More
Dr B Marika AO – born 13 October 1954, died July 2021
The pioneering Arnhemland woman artist, cultural activist and environmental adviser has died aged 66 in Yirrkala according to the Buku Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre, which she once managed. Banduk Mamburra Read More
Red Ochre for Donny Woolagoodja
The recipients of the 2021 First Nations Arts Awards were announced on May 27,marking the anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the start of National Reconciliation Week. The awards recognise and Read More
Cairns and Adelaide Announce Festivals
Cairns indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is back, and this August it’s moving into a sparkling new hub, with a film festival, music in the park, and a host of stellar Read More
NATSIAAs ON HOLD
Sad news from Darwin that the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT (MAGNT) has decided that there's so much COVID uncertainty about that they cannot hold the traditional opening Read More
Two Unique High-end Fenders Being Auctioned
Right now two pieces of playable art are being auctioned in support of Melbourne-based 'Children's Ground', a not-for-profit set up to empower First Nations youth. The idea came about through Read More
NAMATJIRA BOOKED
There are at least 18 books about Albert Namatjira, the Aranda artist who opened Australian eyes – and the Queen's – to the talent and potential of our First Nations Read More
It’s All Happening Elsewhere
The fruits of both philanthropy and of sheer artistic determination are currently exciting Britain and the US, with First Nations thinking strong in the first and their art overwhelming in Read More
‘First Footprints’ is/are Back
Excitement on TV this week perfectly timed for the increasingly prevalent lockdowns. The excellent 4-part TV series, 'First Footprints', by Bentley Dean and Martin Butler is being re-run on NITV Read More
Ceremony at the NGA Triennial
Senior Indigenous curator, Hetti Perkins has announced the theme and the artists for the National Gallery of Australia's fourth National Indigenous Art Triennial. This follows from 2007's 'Culture Warriors', the Read More
Tommy Lowry’s ‘Two Men’
Is this the most consequential artwork to emerge from the Australian deserts? Certainly, Tommy Lowry's Two Men Dreaming at Kuluntjarranya (1984) was hailed as “a pivotal work in the history Read More
Arone Raymond Meeks
Sadly, Cairns-based artist, Arone Meeks, originally from Cape York, died last month. He was born in 1957 and was a Kuku Midigi man who grew up in Yarrabah and El Read More
Vale Gloria Petyarre
Great sadness at the Aboriginal Art Directory with news of the death on 9th June in Mparntwe/Alice Springs of the legendary Anmatyerre artist from Utopia, Gloria Tamerre Petyarre. An incredibly Read More
Dharawal Women at Hazelhurst
The trend towards rediscovering First Nations languages and cultural traditions across southern Australia is burgeoning, and Sutherland Shire's Hazelhurst gallery – which has done much to bring really cogent shows Read More
ANNANDALE BARKS
The painted barks of Arnhemland continue to lack the popular accessibility of the Deserts' acrylic canvases – as reflected in both market prices and curatorial enthusiasm in institutions. And this Read More
FAREWELL TO GULPILIL
It's downright depressing to sit in a completely empty cinema to farewell David Gulpilil. But his autobiographical film, directed by Molly Reynolds – long associated with Gulpilil as the partner Read More