This exclusive Orion cultural expedition provides rare access to remote Arnhem Land indigenous art communities, with plenty of time ashore to meet and talk with many artists, view and purchase original artworks and visit important galleries. Orion’s expedition team and specialist guest lecturers enhance the experience with comprehensive briefings and workshops.
Departing Thursday Island in Torres Strait on 25th April this 7 night voyage concludes in Darwin on 2nd May, 2009.
Spectacularly located at the northern tip of Australia, Thursday Island is the perfect location to commence this fascinating expedition. A visit to the Gab Titui Cultural Centre reveals exquisite Torres Strait art that reflects the many unique cultures and traditions of the island communities and the islander’s bond to sea and land.
Orion then explores the remote coastal regions of Arnhem Land, stopping at some of the most important indigenous art centres, many with limited access due to their isolation and the need for permits to enter indigenous reserves. Travelling the coast on Orion is the perfect way to visit these significant art communities.
This voyage will appeal to those interested in indigenous art from both aesthetic and investment aspects as well. Colin and Elizabeth Laverty “ whose lifetime of collecting Australian contemporary art has culminated in one of the world’s most important collections of Aboriginal art “ will join the voyage to share their thoughts on the importance of Australian indigenous art; while Howard Morphy, Director of the Research School of Humanities at the Australian National University and extensive author on Australian Aboriginal art will also offer insight to provide a better understanding of indigenous art in Australia.
They will be joined by Hetti Perkins, a member of the Eastern Arrernte and Kalkadoon Aboriginal communities. Currently Senior Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art at the Art Gallery of NSW Hetti has worked with indigenous visual art for over twenty years.
