March 11, 2025
Alcoa Foundation supports Noongar arts space
A global commitment to fostering cultural preservation and supporting sustainable livelihoods for First Nations people is at the heart of a new dedicated Noongar arts space in Bunbury, funded by the Alcoa Foundation.
Thanks to the transformative grant from the Alcoa Foundation, the vibrant hub for First Nations art and culture will be established, the first space of its kind in the South West.
The new Noongar arts space will serve to develop and disseminate work by Noongar artists from across the region. By empowering First Nations artists to create sustainable livelihoods, this arts space is also intended to provide a vital platform for truth-telling and cultural preservation, sharing the stories, histories, and practices of Noongar people with wider audiences.
Regular workshops and annual showcases will further celebrate the creativity and talent of the community while fostering deeper connections to Noongar cultural heritage.
The initiative will be led by the City of Bunbury, with extensive community consultation, oversight from the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery Aboriginal Advisory Group, and collaboration with Gnaala Karla Booja to ensure the project reflects the aspirations of local First Nations communities.
To maximise its regional impact, a comprehensive outreach program will engage communities in the upper South West and Peel regions, including Pinjarra, Dwellingup, Jarrahdale, Waroona, and Harvey.
Gnaala Karla Boodja Aboriginal Corporation CEO Bruce Jorgensen said the ongoing spiritual connection to Country and the opportunity to represent that connection through visual arts was vital to the cultural core of Noongar people.
“This initiative celebrates that connection and supports the ongoing and viable practice of the Noongar Arts Program,” Mr Jorgensen said.
“It is a commitment to a future where our Noongar children can see art as a viable employment opportunity. We believe this initiative will address economic disparities within our community and provide unprecedented opportunities for Noongar artists.
“By fostering a sustainable and thriving arts sector, we aim to create a ripple effect that benefits the entire region.”
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