Landmark Warlpiri Encyclopaedic Dictionary
The work of hundreds of Warlpiri speakers compiled over more than 60 years, the Warlpiri Encyclopaedic Dictionary: Warlpiri Yimi-Kirli Manu Jaru-kurlu has been released by Aboriginal Studies Press, the publishing Read More
Unproductive?
Just before Christmas, the Government’s Productivity Commission finalised its Report on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Visual Arts and Crafts which it had put out for comment last July. Not Read More
“The Torment of our Powerlessness” in the Gulf of Carpentaria
“The Torment of our Powerlessness” is of course a key phrase from the Uluru Statement from the Heart. But it’s been bloody hard to recognise that concept from the urbane Read More
POWERHOUSE ANNOUNCES RESIDENCY PROGRAM WITH CITÉ INTERNATIONALE DES ARTS, PARIS
Powerhouse Parramatta and the Cité internationale des arts have announced the galang residency program which will support Australian based First Nations artists and creatives to undertake residencies in Paris, at Read More
Quiet Tracker
A notable development in the performing arts is the arrival of Wiradjuri man, Daniel Riley as Artistic Director of the venerable contemporary dance company, ADT (Australian Dance Theatre). The Adelaide-based Read More
Barangaroo Heralded
Once upon a time, there was Bennelong Point, where they put an Opera House to make Sydney famous around the world. Indeed, the world has responded by making the building Read More
Barbara Weir 1940s to 2023
One of my favourite personalities in Aboriginal art, the Utopia artist, Barbara Weir, died on 3rd January. She was probably over 80, though three different galleries give her birth dates Read More
Barangaroo Brouhaha
Only in Sydney, you may have noticed that there’s been a lively debate about the chances of an Indigenous Cultural Centre for the city. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Read More
HOLIDAY READING FOR CHRISTMAS & 2023
It’s certainly a rich time for the publication of books by or about Indigenous artists, or concerning the wider field of First Nations culture. In October, for instance, I finally Read More
2023 Beckons at the NATSIAAs
As one year’s Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards ends – the 2022 exhibition closing on January 15th in Darwin - so another begins. Entries are now Read More
The Perfect Sydney Art Museum?
The “Perfect Sydney art museum” is about to open officially this weekend. That was the consensus view of the Premier, the State Arts Minister and Art Gallery of NSW Director Read More
Make It New?
While the rest of the world seems to be discovering and relishing the art and culture of Arnhemland, the best exhibition I’ve seen recently here has been surprisingly unappreciated. And Read More
Jobs at the National Aboriginal Art Gallery
Exciting news from the NT regarding its Mparntwe-based National Aboriginal Art Gallery. The Northern Territory Government has today announced the appointment of Arrernte woman Sera Bray to co-lead the development Read More
Bad News, Good News
How to sell bad news as though it was all tickety boo! This is how the ‘Tarrkarri Update’ from the SA Government announced unhappy developments at its promised Centre for Read More
Momentous Celebration
The Australia Council announces “Purrumpa – a momentous five-day national celebration of First Nations arts and culture bringing together leaders from across the country”, and it starts today in Adelaide. Read More
Proppa Prize Winners
I’ve been saying for many a month that Australia’s First Nations artists are more appreciated around the world than they currently are in Oz, and now our provocateur Blak artists, Read More
Budget Backs Whadjuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre
One of the few exciting announcements regarding the arts in yesterday’s Federal Budget would have to be the $50 million confirming an ALP election promise for the Whadjuk Aboriginal Cultural Read More
Art Fairs Down South
Spring is springing and the First Nations art fairs that operate in the wintery north – Darwin and Cairns – are now replaced by Tarnanthi in Adelaide and the SOUTHEAST Read More
BALGO : CREATING COUNTRY
What do you do with a book that you are becoming convinced is a masterpiece, possibly even the best book ever written about Aboriginal art and culture? Well, the only Read More