Aboriginal Art Blog
ART ARK®
The Barunga Statement emerged from a historic gathering known as the Barunga Festival, where Indigenous leaders, community members, and government officials came together to engage in meaningful dialogue. During the festival, Prime Minister Bob Hawke was presented with a statement crafted by the leaders of the Northern and Central Land Councils, representing the voice of Aboriginal people across the nation.
Maningrida Arts and Culture
Maningrida Arts & Culture thrives on the lands of Kunibídji country in Arnhem Land, situated in Australia's Northern Territory. Spanning an expansive area of 7,000 square kilometers, this region encompasses both land and sea and is home to over 100 clan estates. Within this diverse landscape, the Maningrida community has nurtured cultural traditions, where more than 12 distinct languages are spoken. In this article, we delve into the essence of Maningrida Arts & Culture, celebrating the resilience and enduring connection of the Aboriginal people to their ancestral lands.
Understanding the 1967 referendum on Aboriginal rights in Australia.
The 1967 referendum on Aboriginal rights in Australia was a significant milestone in the country's history, reflecting a national desire for change and recognition of the rights of Aboriginal people
What is the Voice to parliament? Australian referendum 2023
What is the Voice to Parliament?
The Voice is a proposed body designed to represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. It would provide independent advice to the Parliament and Government, make proactive and responsive representations, and have its own resources for research and advocacy.
Members of the Voice would be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, serving for a fixed period of time to ensure accountability.
The Voice aims to be representative, inclusive, culturally informed, and gender balanced. It would be accountable, transparent, and subject to governance and reporting requirements.
The Voice would collaborate with existing organisations and traditional structures, but would not have a program delivery function or veto power.
Beware red flags and fakes: how to buy authentic First Nations designs that benefit creators and communities
From souvenir shops to art galleries, First Nations designs are big business. Australia’s Productivity Commission estimates about $250 million of Indigenous-style art and consumer products are sold annually. But just 16% of that ends up in the hands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
What do white staff do in remote Indigenous art centres?
50 years of arts centres
Remote art centres are central to today’s internationally successful Indigenous contemporary art industry. They typically have a white art centre manager and other staff overseen by an Indigenous board....
Sailing vessels in Arnhem Land rock art
The rock art of northwestern Arnhem Land is world-renowned and represents one of the world’s most enduring artistic cultures.
Rock art is a continuing tradition. It includes images of “outsiders”: people and objects brought to Australian shores by Macassans from southeast Asia and, later, by Europeans.
Oldest Aboriginal rock painting.
This 17,500-year-old kangaroo in the Kimberley is Australia’s oldest Aboriginal rock painting
Aboriginal Art, Art Centres, and Covid-19
In troubling and uncertain times like these, we find more meaning than ever in our mission at ART ARK®, which is to create economic opportunities for, and support and celebrate Aboriginal people through art.
Indigenous art centres that sustain remote communities are at risk. VET can help.
Indigenous art provides important economic benefits. When the art market peaked in 2007, Indigenous art was estimated to generate some A$400-500 million a year. This supported 110 Indigenous art centres and about 5,000 art workers (artists).