CEREMONY COMES TO DUBBO REGION
The Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) is preparing to host the National Gallery of Australia’s touring exhibition, the 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony.
The exhibition, which has toured to a number of regional galleries across Australia, will open on Saturday 27 January 2024 and close Sunday 19 May 2024. Entry is free to the public.
The 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony is the National Gallery’s flagship exhibition of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
Ceremony remains central to the creative practice of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. From the intimate and personal to the collective and collaborative, ceremonies manifest through visual art, film, music and dance.
Curated by Arrernte and Kalkadoon woman Hetti Perkins, in collaboration with National Gallery curators, Ceremony features the work of 35 artists from across Australia, revealing how ceremony is at the nexus of Country, of Culture and of Community.
WPCC Curator Kent Buchanan said hosting Ceremony is a privilege and all residents should take advantage of the opportunity to view the incredible pieces which incorporate both traditional and contemporary First Nations artistic styles.
“Ceremony continues WPCC’s partnership with the National Gallery to present their Indigenous Art Triennial; this being the third time we have presented it. Profiling the works of First Nations artists from across Australia, it is an incredible opportunity to examine the breadth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art by artists who are exploring culture in diverse ways,” Mr Buchanan said.
“The mix of tradition and innovation reveals deep connections to Country, Culture and the unique way ceremony is embedded in First Nations experience. WPCC is well placed to present these significant exhibitions, due to our state-of-the-art facility and professional staff.
“Our relationship with the National Gallery has grown over decades, positioning us as an important regional institution providing audiences with unique experiences, without the need to travel to major metropolitan areas,” Mr Buchanan said.
National Gallery Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Tina Baum (Gulumirrgin (Larrakia)/Wardaman/Karajarri peoples) said since the National Indigenous Art Triennial was established in 2007 it had become one of the most important exhibitions for First Nations art, artists and culture in Australia.
“The National Gallery continues to find ways to share the Triennial with the widest possible audience and we are thrilled to present Ceremony at the Western Plains Cultural Centre, which will be the last stop for the touring exhibition. Through touring Ceremony, we have been able to bring the stories, art and cultures of the featuring artists to galleries and audiences in the NT, QLD, SA, VIC – and now NSW.”
In addition to the exhibition, the National Gallery will be partnering with the Western Plains Cultural Centre to deliver a community engagement program. This program includes components aimed at upskilling teachers and education providers in the importance of traditional and contemporary Indigenous art, as well as an event to engage young people across the region. More information about this program will be released soon.
The 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony is a National Gallery Touring Exhibition supported by Visions of Australia, National Collection Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, Wesfarmers Arts and key philanthropic supporters.
To find out more about the exhibition, visit https://nga.gov.au/exhibitions/national-indigenous-art-triennial-ceremony/ .
Last Edited: 18 Jan 2024