A total of six arts projects will be staged in Western Australia and internationally thanks to funding of $220,892 to support the long-term growth and sustainability of Aboriginal arts and culture.
The funding is provided by the Aboriginal Arts Grants Program, which is administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
One of the projects to receive funding is Glenn Iseger-Pilkington’s ‘EXPOSURE: New Voices in Western Australian Photography’. This project will enable Aboriginal artists from regional and remote communities to tell their stories using digital tools such as cameras, iPads, smartphones and computers rather than traditional art forms.
Another innovative project is the creation of a new dance form created by internationally recognised indigenous dancer, Michael Leslie. His work, ‘2.5’, will incorporate 100 original steps described by words from Leslie’s endangered Gamilaraay language. The story will explore the sensitive subject of indigenous incarceration, portraying an imprisoned Leslie presenting his people’s history through dance.
The six projects to be funded are:
West Australian Aboriginal Dance Company, Subiaco, $39,990
The grant will support indigenous teacher and dancer, Michael Leslie develop his 10-minute dance work, ‘2.5’ into a full-length performance for a Perth season and international tour.
Glenn Iseger-Pilkington, Palmyra, $35,946
This grant will enable Noongar curator Glenn Iseger-Pilkington to conduct professional development workshops for Aboriginal artists working with photo media in collaboration with the Perth Centre for Photography.
Northampton Old School Community Initiative, Northampton, $39,764
The Northampton Old School Community Initiative will receive funding to present its multi-disciplinary project, ‘Nhanda-Mulgana Message Sticks Connection’. The project explores the importance of message sticks to the Nhanda and Mulgana people and their connection with culture, country and people.
Gina McGill, Bassendean, $29,392
Gina McGill will receive funding for her project, Bokadja boodja, ngalak warangka (Far away land, we sing), which will enable Gina and fellow artist Guy Ghouse to collaborate with other performers of ancient languages at concerts in the United Kingdom.
Laverton Leonora Cross Cultural Association (LLCCA), Laverton, $35,800
This grant will assist LLCCA stage workshops for local artists that will build their skills and develop their professional art practices by focusing on traditional and contemporary art making.
Walkatjurra Cultural Centre, Leonora, $40,000
The grant will enable descendants of Ngalia artist Dolly Walker to return to their desert homeland country, while following her traditional maps and paintings and passing on her stories to the younger generations.