Here’s How The Art Gallery Of WA Is Celebrating NAIDOC Week

2020 NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) week is coming up soon (November 8-15), and one fantastic way to participate in different activities and supporting the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community is to head down to the Art Gallery Of Western Australia (AGWA).

Celebrating the culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, AGWA will be putting on three separate and interactive events to partake in:

Yarning Together: A Community Celebration of Balga Waangkiny

Sunday 8 November, 10am-4.30pm (FREE)

Fremantle-based Noongar artist Sharyn Egan will be hosting a participatory project called Balga Waangkiny with a day of Yarning Together.

Egan and Ron Bradfield Jnr will host a conversation together, discussing the importance of Balga (grass trees) and their use as tools and shelter in Noongar culture.

Here participants will also be free to share ideas about community and connection with likeminded folks, celebrating this year’s NAIDOC theme, “Always Was, Always Will Be”.

NAIDOC Week Guided Tours

Sunday 8-Sunday 15 November (FREE)

Throughout NAIDOC AGWA will be running free guided tours focusing on contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art from the state art collection.

Exploring some of this country’s greatest cultural gifts, Indigenous art can be as equally striking as it is heartbreaking.

Deadly Denim – Make Your Own Jacket Workshop

Sunday 8 November, 10.30am-1.30pm ($80+BF)

If you’ve got a denim jacket you’re thinking you’d like to see upgraded, bring it along where creator/owner of Deadly Denim Rebecca Rickard will guide you through putting together a deadly jacket of your own, choosing from a huge selection of incredible textiles.

The sustainable business showcases Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander art on upcycled denim, and creates fashion pieces that are not only environmentally-focused, but stunning to wear.

To learn more about NAIDOC week at AGWA and book your place at the Deadly Denim workshop click HERE.

Header artwork by Queenie McKenzie.