Aboriginal art on show for NAIDOC week
Artwork produced by local Wardandi artists will be exhibited at the Margaret River HEART from July 1 as part of the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s NAIDOC week celebrations.
The collaboration by Dwardanan and Friends of Wardan focuses on the 2021 NAIDOC theme ‘Heal Country! ‘, which calls for action to seek greater protections for indigenous lands, waters, sacred sites and cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration and destruction.
Margaret River HEART General Manager Nicky Hansen said the venue’s NAIDOC week program is a great opportunity for community members to come together and celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Our NAIDOC exhibition, titled Djanga Boodja – Spirit of the Land, is a rare and unique opportunity to see the depictions of the colour of the land,” she said.
“We’ve also programmed a series of Indigenous kid’s workshops about cultural song, dance and language to complement the NAIDOC festivities.”
Moort Bullargar – Family Coming Together workshops cater to children both under and over the age of 12 and will be hosted by Wardandi Elder and Artist Vivian Brockman and her daughter Mitchella Hutchins on July 9.
A flag raising ceremony will kick off the NAIDOC celebrations, while a smoking and dancing ceremony will take place on July 8 to officially open the exhibition. Guests will be invited to partake in some bush tucker offerings during the evening.
A very special screening of Bruce Lee’s kung fu classic Fist of Fury – Noongar Daa will also be shown in the Main Theatre in collaboration with Perth Festival.
Ms Hansen said this is the first feature film ever to be re-voiced in an Australian language (Noongar) and the voice actors from the film will host a brief audience Q&A session prior to the screening.
Local Gondwana Link film Breathing Life into Boodja and new documentary My Name is Gulpilil will also join the bill of Indigenous films to hit the HEART big screen this month.
“In what is very likely his last film, we are particularly excited to be screening the new documentary detailing the life of the infamous Australian actor David Gulpilil,” Ms Hansen said.
“We’re also very thrilled to show an exclusive pre-recorded Q&A featuring some of Gulpilil’s family and friends, including film critic Margaret Pomeranz and screen legend Jack Thompson.”
Residents wanting to attend are encouraged to book in advance as tickets are limited and selling fast.
Djanga Boodja – Spirit of the Land will be exhibited in the HEART Foyer Gallery, Bar Gallery and Mezzanine Gallery until August 18.
To view all NAIDOC week events held at the HEART, please visit https://www.margaretriverheart.com.au/whats-on/category/naidoc-week/