CANCELLED - Official Launch for Arts NAIDOC 2017

CANCELLED - Official Launch for Arts NAIDOC 2017

** UPDATE **

The official opening of Arts NAIDOC 2017 exhibition showcase has been cancelled out of respect and shared sadness for recent losses within our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and therefore the wider Gladstone Region community.  Residents, however, are still very welcome to view the exhibitions while they remain on display.

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Original Media Release

All are welcome to join Cr Matt Burnett, Mayor of Gladstone Region and special guests at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum, 6pm Thursday 27 July 2017, to celebrate the official launch of the Arts NAIDOC 2017 exhibition showcase.  Opening that night:

Grounded:

Grounded, a commission by Glasgow Life for Festival 2014, XX Commonwealth Games, is the seventh exhibition in Judith Parrott’s Place Matters series.  Brought to Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance, Grounded presents the outcome of two residencies. One, in the Gaelic speaking Outer Hebrides of Scotland and the other with the Australian Aboriginal nations of the Central Australian desert and the plains of Western Queensland. Grounded features photography, sound, audio-visual, language and prose.

Four Yarns: The Link Project:

Led by local artist, Katrina Elliott and facilitator, Melena McKeown, Four Yarns follows on from The Link Project that began in 2009 as collaboration between older and younger generations of local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island people. Four Yarns features stories from Maureen Eggmolesse (Byellee), Ben Ghee (Torres Strait Islander), Richard Johnson (Gooreng Gooreng) and Immanuel Beezley (Kabi Kabi), in conversation with young people. The exhibition includes photographic portraits and video footage of the yarns.

Black Keys to Unity:

In preparation for NAIDOC Week 2017, local Indigenous musicians collaborated with local photographer, William Debois. During the Autumn months, William was able to capture how music had the unique ability of harmoniously bringing family and friends together. The exhibition presents a stunning series of photographic prints that explores the way music is used as a universal language to preserve traditions, share culture and unite families.

Heritage Photographs:

This exhibition showcases a series of community photographs of both past and present Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Elders and their families. Featuring images from World War I days through to more recent times, the exhibition gives an insight into the strength and community spirit of well-known locals. These family photographs are drawn from the Gallery & Museum's historical archives. Please note: There are images and names on display of people who have passed away.

- Ends