Black is Back: Koori culture stages a comeback

16 ⁄ 12 ⁄ 2009 – 26 ⁄ 03 ⁄ 2010

 

Across drought-stricken NSW, artist collectives and cultural centre plans are blooming, yet in Australia’s international city, exhibitions of NSW Aboriginal culture often take a backseat to those from other parts of the country.

 

How can there be greater representation of NSW Aboriginal arts, culture and history in Sydney and across the state? In particular, is there a place for yet another cultural institution in Sydney, one devoted to the historical artefacts and contemporary artistic interpretations of Aboriginal people of NSW?

 

Black is Back uncovers strands of development reclaiming and revitalising NSW Aboriginal cultural practices. Speakers will examine how gathering this cultural material in one domain, in a location from which so much cultural disruption sprang, would be a powerful statement challenging many of the paradigms and perceptions about Aboriginal life and culture in NSW.

 

But content, programs and collections in themselves do not create the critical mass and persuasive arguments to turn vision into reality.

 

The seminar will conclude with a panel session discussion about the pragmatics of establishing a NSW Aboriginal Cultural Centre and managing the creative networks to sustain it.

 

Speakers include:

  • Rhoda Roberts, Director, Sydney New Year’s Eve
  • Djon Mundine, Indigenous Curator, Campbelltown Arts Centre
  • Peter White, Indigenous Cultural Development Officer, Arts NSW
  • Steve Miller, Professional Development Manager, M&G NSW (facilitator)

 

Registrations are now open! 

 

Black is Back is part of the M&G NSW / Museum of Sydney seminar series presented in partnership with the Historic Houses Trust of NSW.

 

When: Friday 26 March 2010, 2-5pm

Where: Museum of Sydney, Cnr Phillip & Bridge Sts, Sydney

Cost: $45 full / $35 conc.

Register: Download the registration form here or contact Zoe Johnson on 02 9339 9914 or zoej@mgnsw.org.au

Further information: Steve Miller, Manager, Professional Development, M&G NSW at stevem@mgnsw.org.au or 02 9339 9903