HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ABORIGINAL ARTS IN THE NSW REGIONAL ARTS NETWORK

HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ABORIGINAL ARTS IN THE NSW REGIONAL ARTS NETWORK The past 15 years have seen a remarkable growth in Aboriginal arts activity within and across the network of 14 Regional Boards (RABs) in NSW. Because the RABs are independent organisations that determine and deliver regional arts programs according to regional needs, priorities and resources, the approach to and level of Aboriginal arts activity across the state has varied considerably and followed different journeys. All regional arts programs support all arts activity, but there has been a steady increase in the number of RABs that have secured funding from sources other than core funding assistance from the NSW state government and local councils, so that Aboriginal arts activity could be supported through a more strategic and sustainable approach. In the early 2000 s, the approach to nurturing Aboriginal arts activity in regional NSW was fragmented. At the time a Regional Indigenous Cultural Officer (RICDO) was employed at Regional NSW (RANSW) and a RICDO employed by Outback to work across councils in the Far West region. These positions lapsed after a period of time and no doubt was a function of the difficulties in covering such a vast area where little groundwork had been done. From 2005 several RABs embarked on a more visionary, long-term and strategic path. Northern convened a meeting of Indigenous artists which led to the establishment of a Regional Indigenous Artists Advisory Group and subsequently the employment of two positions dedicated to Indigenous arts in the region and the development of the 3 Aboriginal Art Space in Lismore which offered artist workshop space and a focal point for connecting artists and conducting arts business training. In the Far West, the Regional Indigenous Strategy emerged from a consultancy commissioned by Outback involving consultations across the entire region. One of the outcomes of this Strategy was the re-instating of the RICDO position in 2009 but restructured with a different RICDO appointed for one day a week in each of the towns: Warren, Cobar, Bourke, Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Coonamble. In the mid north coast, the Foundations of our Future Strategy emerged from Mid North s extensive consultation with 300 artists and cultural practitioners across the region in 2007/2008. This was a five-year Strategic Plan to overcome the barriers to individual and community development by establishing regional and community structures around arts and cultural practices. An Alliance of nine Local Aboriginal Land Councils was established to monitor the delivery of strategies aimed at broadening the income generation possibilities for Indigenous arts and cultural practitioners with an emphasis on maintaining core cultural ideals whilst encouraging sustainability in the modern world. A Regional Aboriginal Cultural Development Officer was employed in 2008, initially by Mid North and then by the Alliance after it became incorporated as the Saltwater Freshwater Alliance. Saltwater Freshwater has since become a key Aboriginal organisation in the region. In 2009 Regional NSW conducted two research projects on Aboriginal in NSW. The first project mapped Aboriginal arts activity in NSW and was an invaluable resource not only to highlight the level of activity across the state but also to support proposals for future development on a statewide and regional level and to determine areas that required more assistance and support. The second project researched the training and professional needs of Aboriginal artists and arts organisations. History of Aboriginal Development in the NSW Regional Network, 2015 1

From 2010 a number of other regions continued to build on their groundwork of successful Aboriginal arts projects and subsequent upsurge in activity with the appointment of Aboriginal Officers at OutWest (Central West) in 2010, North West, West Darling and South East in 2012, Orana in 2013 and Murray (Albury/Wodonga) in 2014. At the beginning of 2014 there were 12 Aboriginal Officers employed by eight RABs within the network, with seven on triennial agreements (2013-14 to 2015-16) with the federal government s Ministry for the (five through the Indigenous Culture Support Program and two through the Indigenous Visual Industry Support) and one position through core funding from NSW. After ten years without an Aboriginal Officer but with a growing network of Aboriginal Officers (AAO), RANSW received an increase in its core funding in 2012 to employ an Aboriginal Development Officer. Until this time RANSW had conducted research on Aboriginal arts in regional NSW, undertaken small targeted projects, held regular teleconferences and annual face-to-face meetings with regional AAOs (from February 2011) and provided relevant information and professional development to the network. The securing of a position dedicated to this work however opened up many more opportunities to the entire Aboriginal arts sector including professional development targeted to their needs as well as a broadening of markets and showcasing of work through establishing links with Sydney organisations. ACRONYMS (used in table below) AAO AADO DCITA DEEWR DEWHA FaHCSIA IABM IADO ICS IVAIS MCA MFTA NACIS NSP OFTA RAF RANSW RICDO Aboriginal Officer Aboriginal Development Officer Department of Communications Information Technology and the Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations Department of Environment Water Heritage and the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (now Department of Social Services) Indigenous Business Manager Indigenous Development Officer Indigenous Culture Support Program Indigenous Visual Industry Support Museum of Contemporary Art Ministry for the National and Crafts Industry Support (changed to IVAIS) National Strategic Project (RAF funding) Office for the Regional Fund Regional NSW Regional Indigenous Cultural Development Officer History of Aboriginal Development in the NSW Regional Network, 2015 2

ABORIGINAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT IN REGIONAL ARTS NSW NETWORK Timeline Year Region Aboriginal activity Notes 2000 Regional NSW (RANSW) Regional Indigenous Cultural Officer employed in July 3 year program funded through NSW Ministry for the with first year joint support through Community Association. NSW Regional Indigenous Cultural Strategy developed 2001 Outback Regional Indigenous Cultural Development Funding through NSW Ministry for the. Fulltime position. Officer (RICDO) employed 2002 RANSW Regional Indigenous Cultural Officer resigned in June Assistance to artists in the Far West region Not replaced and unexpended funds disbursed to 3 regional Indigenous programs in the Mid North, Far West and West Darling. 2004 Outback RICDO ceased employment Not replaced 2005 Northern Regional Indigenous Advisory Group established Emerged out of a meeting organised by ANR attended by 30 artists from the region. 2006 Outback Regional Indigenous Strategy developed Consultants Jalay employed to develop in consultation with Far West communities 2006 Outback Living and Culture portal launched Portal for Aboriginal artists to market their profile and works 2006 West Darling Wilcannia Artist-in-Residence Project year one 2007 RANSW Jambama Art Shed, Casino - Mentoring project 2007 RANSW Research project developing more culturally sensitive and appropriate grant processes 2007 West Darling 2007/2008 Mid North Wilcannia Artist-in-Residence Project year two Foundations of our Future Strategy developed 5 year Strategic Plan Alliance of 9 Local Aboriginal Land Councils established 3 year project funded through Regional Fund 3 extended residencies of different artforms held at the Wilcannia Centre. Lino print, drawing and sculpture and found objects held in 2006. Group exhibition held at Broken Hill Regional Gallery end of each year. Six month project in partnership with Northern and Richmond Valley Council to provide professional development and support with business and marketing development of new gallery. Funded through Regional Fund Recipient Initiated Project Conducted in partnership with Boolarng Nangamai Art and Culture Studio on Gerringong. Joint presentation at National RAA Conference in Alice Springs in 2008. 2 nd year of 3 year project. Residencies in Drawing and Painting, Art-Door Murals and Paakantji Art. Exhibition held. Consultation with 300 artists in region working towards overcoming the barriers to individual and community development by establishing regional and community structures around arts and cultural practices. Led to appointment of officers as well as nurturing the development of Centres in Kempsey, Forster and Coffs Harbour and has been instrumental in developing the Aboriginal Design Courses through North TAFE. History of Aboriginal Development in the NSW Regional Network, 2015 3

Year Region Aboriginal activity Notes 2008 Mid North Regional Aboriginal Cultural Development Funding through ICS program of DEWHA. Officer employed 2008 Northern Indigenous Development Officer (IADO) employed Matched funding DCITA/DEWHA and DEEWR. Position assists artists to develop their professional art practice and provides outreach support for artists in remote communities. 2008 West Darling Wilcannia Artist-in-Residence Project 3 rd year of 3 year project. Residencies in Printmaking, Basket year three 2009 RANSW Research Mapping Aboriginal activity in regional NSW 2009 Mid North 2009 Northern Aboriginal Project Officer employed IADO position funded for another 3 years Indigenous Business Manager (IABM)employed Establishment of 3 Aboriginal Art Space in Lismore 2009 Outback RICDO program re-stated and RICDOs appointed 2009 West Darling Wilcannia Mentorship Program year one 2010 RANSW Completion of research Training and Education Needs in the NSW Aboriginal Visual Sector 2010 RANSW Appointment of Indigenous representative on 2010 West Darling 2010 West Darling 2010 Northern RANSW Board Wilcannia Mentorship Program year two Exhibition in Sydney Indigenous Advisory group incorporated as the of Art Aboriginal Corporation Weaving and Textile Art. Exhibition held. Funded through EIEI (Emerging Indigenous Entrepreneurs Initiative) of DEEWR (Dept Education Employment and Workplace Relations). Research formed basis for Network proposal. Funding through ICS program of DEWHA 3 year IADO funding through DEWHA. IABM position funded for one year through DEEWR to provide business support, marketing and sales services to artists and arts enterprises in the region as well as manage and build a sustainable business model includes establishment of Art Space RICDO appointed for one day a week in each of towns: Bourke, Cobar, Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Warren and Coonamble. Funding for position through Federal Government NACIS (now IVAIS) and ICS programs of Office for the. Two year RAF-funded project developing specific artistic disciplines and the creation of a 'Wilcannia Style' that embodies the Paakantji Culture and Land. Funded by NSW. Research conducted from July to December 2009 identifying training and professional development needs of Aboriginal artists in NSW. Two year RAF-funded project developing specific artistic disciplines and the creation of a 'Wilcannia Style' that embodies the Paakantji Culture and Land. Work of Wilcannia artists from previous projects at Wilcannia. History of Aboriginal Development in the NSW Regional Network, 2015 4

Year Region Aboriginal activity Notes 2010 Outback Connecting Marks and Country project RAF project re-connecting Aboriginal people with their heritage through material (artefacts) sourced from Powerhouse Museum and Australian Museum marks specific to Aboriginal people in this region and found near Cobar and Bourke. Artist-in-residence workshops held in Far West communities (Cobar, Warren, Coonamble, Gulargambone, Bourke, Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Goodooga) to re-produce traditional marks in contemporary form through printmaking. Subsequently Warren group artists exhibited their work in Sydney. 2010 Mid North A new incorporated entity emerged from the Foundations of our Future Strategy as Saltwater Freshwater Alliance Alliance of 9 (now 10) Local Aboriginal Land Councils development of regional cultural identity through the Saltwater Freshwater brand. Hold annual Festival on Australia Day first in 2010. 2010 Mid North Saltwater Freshwater Alliance weaving workshops RAF funded project. Workshops by Boolarng Nangamai Aboriginal and Culture Studio 2010 OutWest Aboriginal Development Officer and Aboriginal Trainee employed. Joint funding through OFTA s NACIS and ICS programs annual funding. This position covered Dubbo as well as Central West region. 2011 RANSW 1 st AAO Network meeting in Sydney Hosted by RANSW 10 AAOs attended networking and pd 2011 Northern IADO, Robert Appo selected for Wesfarmers Held at National Gallery, Canberra, December 2011 Indigenous Leadership Program 2011 OutWest Marramarra event in Bathurst Showcase of work produced in visual arts (Parkes, Cowra, Dubbo, Lake Cargelligo), dance (Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo, Cowra, Bathurst) and filmmaking and hip hop music (Orange, Condobolin, Wellington) workshops 2012 Northern IADO funded for another year Funded by IVAIS (Office for the ). Role becomes more outreach with closure of Business Centre in Lismore. 2012 OutWest Marramarra Bulla event in Parkes Showcase of work produced in visual arts and dance workshops 2012 OutWest Aboriginal Development Officer refunded Joint funding through OFTA s IVAIS and ICS programs annual funding. This position covered Dubbo as well as Central West region. 2012 North West Aboriginal Officer employed (part-time) Funding through ICS program of Office for the 2012 RANSW Aboriginal Development Officer employed (part-time) 2012 South East Aboriginal Creative and Cultural Engagement Officer employed Funded through NSW for three years 2012 2014. One year funding through NSW Regional Partnerships Aboriginal and Cultural Action Plan, 2012 2015 developed History of Aboriginal Development in the NSW Regional Network, 2015 5

Year Region Aboriginal activity Notes 2012 West Darling Aboriginal and Enterprise Officer employed Based in Wilcannia. Funded through FaHCSIA. 2012/2013 Outback Weaving across the Outback project Weaving workshops conducted by Boolarng Nangamai Art and Culture Studio in Bourke, Gulargambone, Coonamble, Cobar, Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Warren in the first year and masterclasses in the second. The latter was funded through the Australian Government s Regional Fund and some of the work exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art. 2013 RANSW 2 nd AAO Network meeting in Sydney Hosted by RANSW 7 AAOs attended networking and pd 2013 RANSW Indigenous Engagement Project commenced Regional Fund National Strategic Project 4 year until 2015/2016 Aboriginal professional development program. 2013 - MCA training, Corroboree and Outback project 2013 North West Aboriginal Officer s position re-funded for 3 years Ministry for the (previously OFTA) 2013 Orana Aboriginal Officer s position funded for 3 years Ministry for the (previously OFTA) 2013 Outback Regional Indigenous Cultural Development Officer s position re-funded for 3 years Ministry for the (previously OFTA) 2013 South East Aboriginal Creative and Cultural Engagement Officer s position funded for 3 years Ministry for the (previously OFTA) 2013 West Darling Aboriginal Officer s position re-funded for 3 years Ministry for the (previously OFTA) 2013 OutWest Central West Aboriginal Officer s position re-funded for 3 years Triennial funding 2013/14 to 2015/16 through IVAIS program of Ministry for the (previously OFTA) 2013 Northern Indigenous Development Officer s position re-funded for 3 years Triennial funding 2013/14 to 2015/16 through IVAIS program of Ministry for the (previously OFTA) 2013 Murray Aboriginal Officer employed Funded through core operations ( NSW) 2013 RANSW Potential Aboriginal Officer s position in Eastern Riverina and Albury Discussions with Ministry for the, Eastern Riverina, RANSW and Wagga Wagga City Council 2013 RANSW/ RABs Black Market, Corroboree Sydney 2013 8 AAOs participated funded through RAF NSP 2013 Northern IADO, Anthony Walker selected for Held at National Gallery, Canberra, December 2013 Wesfarmers Indigenous Leadership Program 2013 OutWest Central West AAO, Aleshia Lonsdale, selected for Wesfarmers Indigenous Leadership Program Held at National Gallery, Canberra, December 2013 History of Aboriginal Development in the NSW Regional Network, 2015 6

Year Region Aboriginal activity Notes 2013 OutWest United Kingdom Exchange Group of Aboriginal artists travelled to UK with other Central West artists to participate in the Wirksworth Festival in rural Derbyshire set up an Australian Pavilion, ran workshops, involved in local projects. 2013 North West Art Relay - Pass it On! Mentoring project for Visual Artists RAF-funded mentoring project for emerging and mid career Aboriginal visual artists in the New England North West region mentors are professional Aboriginal arts practitioners. 2013 Outback String Theory Exhibition MCA Sydney Work of 6 artists chosen for exhibition, touring nationally. 2013 Outback NSW Parliament Aboriginal Art Prize exhibited in Coonamble. Seminar by winner, Karla Dickens 2013 RANSW Birrang Dance Initiative 5 day dance laboratory and 4 day creative business course 17 artists from region attended seminar. Funded through RAF National Strategic Project. Partnership with Bangarra Dance Theatre and Ausdance NSW. 4 regional dancers participated. 2013 RANSW MCA training for AAOs (5 days) Funding assistance through Regional Fund National Strategic Project. PD on curatorial process, gallery management and public programs. Attended by 8 AAOs from 5 regions. 2014 Orana Left Field Project 3 emerging Aboriginal artists from the region mentored by wellknown contemporary artists funded through ICS program of MFTA. Exhibition of work launched in Dubbo then toured the region (Gilgandra, Coonabarabran, Coolah, Baradine, Rylstone). 2014 Outback Living and Culture website re-developed and goes live 2014 North West Touring exhibition of work created in Art Relay - Pass it On! Mentoring project for Visual Artists. 2014 North West Art Relay - Pass it On! Mentoring project for Performing Artists Funded through ICS program of MFTA promotes Aboriginal art and artists in Far West region RAF-funded mentoring project for emerging and mid career Aboriginal visual artists in the New England North West region mentors are professional Aboriginal arts practitioners. RAF-funded mentoring project for emerging and mid career Aboriginal Performing artists in the New England North West region mentors are professional Aboriginal performing arts practitioners. 2014 Orana Staging Stories Support for Aboriginal people to share their stories through playwriting and performance workshops and masterclasses in playwriting, acting and directing. Funded through NSW Regional Theatre Project funding and partnership with Playwriting Australia. 2014 Orana Song to Sing project partnership with Contemporary music mentorship project connects communities North West and Outback through songlines. Funded through NSW Aboriginal Regional Fund History of Aboriginal Development in the NSW Regional Network, 2015 7

Year Region Aboriginal activity Notes 2014 Outback Moorambilla Voices project Walgett-based artist Frank Wright worked with 200+ students from 58 schools to create a backdrop for the annual Moorambilla Voices concert. Funded through RAF NSP. 2014 RANSW 3 rd AAO Network meeting in Sydney Hosted by RANSW 10 AAOs attended networking and pd 2014 RANSW Birrang Dance Initiative (year 2) 5 day dance laboratory and 4 day creative business course 2014 RANSW AADO, Anthony Walker, a finalist in Parliament of NSW Aboriginal Prize 2014 RANSW Regional Australia National Conference in Kalgoorlie Handover ceremony, WA to NSW Second year of partnership with Bangarra Dance Theatre and Ausdance NSW. Creative Business course and part of lab held in Lismore. Exchange of gifts from Wongutha people of Goldfields WA to Wiradjuri people of Central West NSW organisation of gifts and attendance by Wiradjuri Elder at ceremony. 2014 RANSW /RABs Black Market, Corroboree Sydney 2014 22 regional stalls representing 185 Aboriginal artists, 4 RABs coordinated by North West AAO. Funding assistance through RAF NSP 2014 South East Bundian Way Gallery SEA curates four exhibitions a year. 2014 South East Djaadjawan Dancers, Aboriginal women s dance group Support for creative and business development of the group. Funded through NSW Aboriginal Regional Fund 2014 North West Festival of the Brave Partnership with Beyond Empathy, Armidale Dumaresq Council and Armidale Local Aboriginal Land Council. ANW providing links to take work to Black Market. 2014 Murray Get it Right workshops and exhibition 23 Aboriginal artists involved 2015 North West Tamworth Aboriginal Cultural Showcase part of Country Music Festival ANW active in co-organising performance opportunities for established and emerging Aboriginal musicians 2015 South East Grow the Music - Wallaga Lake Koori Village Project Four week music and performance training program for Wallaga Lake community performances at local events. Funded through NSW Aboriginal Regional Fund 2015 RANSW 4 th AAO Network meeting in Sydney Hosted by RANSW 10 AAOs attended networking and pd 2015 Northern Aboriginal Mentorship program 2015 Outback Exhibition of Weaving artwork at Venice Biennale 10 young Aboriginal creatives working with Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal professional artists in area of interest. Funded through NSW Aboriginal Regional Fund Culmination of last 3 years of weaving workshops in region work 15 metres long, 20 artists involved. Outback RADO supported to attend through NSW Aboriginal Quick Response grant. 2015 Orana Left Field Project second stage 3 emerging Aboriginal artists from the region mentored by wellknown contemporary artists funded through MFTA ICS program History of Aboriginal Development in the NSW Regional Network, 2015 8