A new award aimed at showcasing the region’s indigenous artists has been launched.
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Entries are now open for the Lord Mayor’s Illawarra and South Coast Aboriginal Art Award, which is open to indigenous artists between Stanwell Park and Bega.
“We’re very fortunate to have so many Aboriginal creators producing material that is culturally interesting and able to be accessed by people in the wider community,” Wollongong Art Gallery’s program director John Monteleone said.
With no restrictions on medium, Mr Monteleone said the award would give the broader community insight into the creative output of the region’s aspiring and established indigenous artists.
“It gives people the opportunity to get a glimpse of the rich cultural tradition of this area through the work of contemporary Aboriginal artists but it’s also part of a broader indigenous arts festival,’’ he said.
Mr Monteleone said the Illawarra indigenous arts festival was still in development but the award would be handed out in June, to coincide with the week-long festivities.
“It’s opportunities like these and these sorts of programs, I think, that help break down some of the misconceptions in the community,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re always talking about reconciliation; I think art can be a fantastic tool for reconciliation and to get a better understanding of perhaps what Aboriginal culture is about.
“This year is also the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Ride, which is one of the really pivotal moments in Australian history for Aboriginal people.’’
Illawarra indigenous arts festival curator Tahjee Moar said the festivities would bring indigenous professionals from around the country to Wollongong. “It’s been really fantastic.”