From the Director - July 2024

Hello Everyone,

Into the seventh month of 2024, which is crazy – the year is going so fast!

As part of a month-long celebration of all things First Nations, including NAIDOC week, the gallery is showing Contemporary Songlines: Dhakkan/Mundagudda (Rainbow Serpent) and Maroochy (Black Swan) Project. This exhibition is the culmination of a year-long collaboration between First Nations students, youth, and women, showcasing collective stories and culture through unique ceramic Songline sculptures. Come and see 58 fabulous creations, from cockatoos, magpies and black swans to bunya nuts, wattles and swamp flowers, different species of fish, crabs, turtles, dolphins and whales, to name just a few.

The project creator and cultural arts curator, Aunty Jude Hammond (Gunggari/Kamilaroi), with supported project cultural arts trainee, Jaiva Davis (Gubbi Gubbi), worked with schools across the region and various youth, as well as First Nations Women's Art Group, to bring this project to life. You can view an interview with Aunty Jude on the gallery's YouTube page.

Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Rekindling Program performing at the Contemporary Songlines launch | Photo by Patrick Want

The launch event, which was held on 21 June, was spectacular with the Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Rekindling Program dancers performing, and Aunty Jude performing along with her daughter Arayra and amazing musicians, Caleb Fitzpatrick on Didgeridoo, Alek Little on cello, Erin Little on keyboard and Leighanne McHugh on Clapsticks. Lyndon Davis and Gubbi Gubbi Dance performed several dances to close the event. A very moving night celebrating First Nations culture – you can get a glimpse on the gallery’s Facebook and Instagram. Contemporary Songlines continues until Sunday 18 August.

Gubbi Gubbi Dance performing at Contemporary Songlines launch | Photo by Patrick Want

Also check out the events being held this month, and make sure to book in. Plus the popular Kids Art Trail is available in the gallery, and you can drop into the Artroom for a self-guided activity.

Don’t miss the opportunity to view some stunning new art at the Maroochydore Library Artspace. Pastel Era is an exhibition by local First Nations artist Chloe Watego. Her work, deeply rooted in her First Nations heritage, is both beautiful and meaningful. Pastel Era will be on show until 14 July.

Don’t forget that Kids Art Attack is scheduled for Saturday 6 July – come along and create your own clay creature to take home. Stay updated with all our events via the gallery enews, social media and website.

Adult programs

Kids programs

Look forward to seeing you in the Gallery…

Jo Duke
Director