Art in the NEWS

- April 26, 2023

Blak Douglas: Strength in Culture: Fri 12 May 6pm, CHEC Theatre, Coffs Harbour.

Renowned political artist and 2022 Archibald Prize winner, Blak Douglas, is heading to Gumbaynggirr country on May 12 to speak at a special celebration of First Nations culture in Coffs Harbour.

The art fundraiser by Friends of Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery is at Coffs Harbour Education Campus. A fitting location for the Dunghutti artist based in Redfern who works with schools to present art programs that inspire the next generation of brave creatives.

“I tell our young people here in Cadigal country, especially Aboriginal children, that we have a lot to say,” explains Blak Douglas, who is admired for his fearless political works.

In Coffs Harbour, Blak will share his experience as a First Nations artist and activist, working to bridge the cultural divide. Having built a successful career with a strong sense of social justice intact, Blak is often asked for advice from young and emerging artists.

“It happened for me in the space of 20 years by working hard and making art consistently,” Blak said. “One day it will happen for other artists.”

Blak says he spent two decades ‘taking a risk’ before taking out Australia’s most famous art prize. His 2022 Archibald Prize winning portrait of Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens in Lismore was painted during the aftermath of last year’s floods. The first time a portrait of First Nations woman has won the Archibald and only the second time a First Nations artist has won.

The May event will also celebrate the region’s Gumbaynggirr culture with an opening performance of song, dance and stories by the Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience. Welcoming the crowd to Gumbaynggirr country is Uncle Michael ‘Micklo’ Jarrett, followed by insights from composer, musician and language teacher, Birrugan Dunn-Velasco. Birrugan has been working on the cinematic introduction to country for Yarrila Arts and Museum or YAM, coming to Coffs soon.

Funds raised from the event will go towards artworks for the regional gallery’s collection before the opening of their new, larger home at YAM this year. A sculpture by Blak Douglas already proudly sits in the collection as the winner of the gallery’s 2021 STILL Award. ‘Silent Cop 2020’ is a bronze memorial to black deaths in custody.

“Blak Douglas is famous for challenging us to think and just like his art, his talk will be enlightening with powerful messages and his trademark wit,” says Heather McKinnon, President of the Friends.

“Bringing Blak to Coffs is a rare chance for our region’s own students, teachers, art lovers and artists to be inspired. Anyone can go online and book a donation ticket to benefit a local art student.”

With the Voice to Parliament referendum coming up, the Friends are also giving locals the chance to win a framed print of Blak Douglas’s ‘Finding Our Heart’. Created in 2020 for the book of the same name about the Uluru Statement. Blak will draw the fundraising raffle following his talk on May 12.

Blak Douglas: Strength in Culture: Fri 12 May 6pm, CHEC Theatre, Coffs Harbour.

Bookings essential at friendschrg.com or Eventbrite

Matilda St Gallery

Hi All ,"Women in Art" Exhibition Opens Saturday the 29th of April. 3.00 pm till 5.00 pm.

Multiple Women Exhibit their art making with a range of mediums. Exhibition runs untill 20th of May .

Kind Regards Eddie

Nambucca Valley Arts Council

News and Events

The Nambucca Valley Arts Council (NVAC) organises a number of events throughout the year. These include exhibitions and concerts by visiting artists.

Exhibitions

Every two months they hang two exhibitions; one features a specific artist or group of artists whilst the other allows all members to display work that follows a specific theme. A morning tea to launch both exhibitions is held on the first Tuesday of even months from 10:00am.

Date (2023)
February and March	Themed Exhibition - Bees, Butterflies, and Bugs.
February and March	Featured Artist - Celia Ramsay. Click
April and May	Themed Exhibition - Comedy in Art
April and May	Featured Artist - Jenni Urquhart
June and July	Themed Exhibition - On the Farm
June and July	Featured Artist - to be advised
August and September	Themed Exhibition - Social Comment
August and September	Featured Artist - Marlene Griffin
October and November	5Themed Exhibition - In the Australian Bush
October and November	Featured Artist - to be advised
December and January	Themed Exhibition - Beautiful Mid North Coast
December and January	Featured Artist - to be advised