Supporting Tasmanian Aboriginal Artists
Blackspace Creative Arts and Cultural Hub stands as a vibrant collective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives, deeply rooted in the rich traditions of their culture, country, and community. Technically a business rather than a not-for-profit, it has emerged from meaningful dialogues with Elders, community members, and artists, the hub officially launched in September 2021, aiming to showcase the profound talents and stories of Tasmanian Aboriginal artists.
Tasmanian Aboriginal artists are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and unique artistic expressions. Among their celebrated works are the mariner shell necklaces, meticulously crafted from shells collected along the Tasmanian coastline. Each piece reflects a deep connection to the sea and an enduring tradition. Kelp baskets, another signature art form, demonstrate remarkable ingenuity. Woven from the resilient kelp found in coastal waters, these baskets are both practical and beautiful, symbolising the resourcefulness of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
Blackspace Creative is dedicated to elevating the profiles of its artists, fostering their artistic growth, and providing avenues for them to showcase and sell their works. The hub operates with a commitment to ethical practices, taking only a minimal commission on sales to ensure that the majority of the proceeds return to the artists. This approach not only strengthens the cultural economy but also empowers the artists, promoting self-determination and enhancing the social and emotional wellbeing of the community.
The hub also serves as a bridge for the broader community to engage with Aboriginal culture and history. It offers a welcoming space where visitors can meet the artists, view their works, and hear their stories. This engagement fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the enduring cultural practices maintained by the artists and cultural practitioners.
Registered with Supply Nation and a Dealer member of the Indigenous Art Code, Blackspace Creative adheres to rigorous standards that ensure the ethical, sustainable trade and sale of authentic Aboriginal art and cultural artefacts. These credentials affirm the authenticity of the Art Centre and provide protection for both the artists and consumers.
As Tasmania's only Aboriginal owned and operated Art Centre, Blackspace Creative is reclaiming and revitalising Aboriginal practices, art, and culture for current and future generations. Through their work, they continue to celebrate and preserve the rich heritage of Tasmanian Aboriginal arts.