The Armidale Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place (ACCKP) is poised to launch their new art exhibition – For Our Elders with a two day special event, including market stalls, live entertainment, artist talks, a welcoming ceremony with a dance performance.
Kicking off during New England’s NAIDOC Week (2-9 September), the exhibition will run until 2 October, and all are welcome to come and appreciate the artwork and immerse themselves in the culture of some of the country’s finest First Nations artists.
The event not only celebrates NAIDOC Week for the region, but it also offers the opportunity to see the recently renovated Cultural Centre. To mark the occasion, the Centre will hold a special opening event on Saturday 2 September from 10am – 3pm.
On the day there will be an official welcome, smoking ceremony and dance performance, market stalls and the opportunity to hear some of the artists speak about the work being exhibited. Artists featured as part of the exhibition include Adam Spencer, Bob Blair, Dennis Pitt, Larissa Ahoy, Mona Fernando, Nick Levy, Phil McIntosh and Tyler Stackman. Each of these artists have their own unique styles and favourite mediums so the art work on display will be diverse and vibrant.
Featured Gomeroi artist Adam Spencer was involved in the renovations of ACCKP, teaming up with Gumbaynggirr artist Brentyn Lugnan and other young local artists to create some stunning new murals on the outside walls of the building. The collaborative project was facilitated by Ignite Small Business Start-Ups.
Arts North West is hosting a Gather and Trade – Aboriginal Artisan Micro Markets event in Armidale from 10.00 am Saturday 2 September 2023 as part of the celebrations. Arts North West has been delivering a series of ‘Gather and Trade Events’ throughout the New England North West for over the last three years, inviting First Nations artists, craftspeople, and cultural artisans to share their creative practice and showcase our region’s creativity.
“This is a great opportunity for local Aboriginal creatives to showcase their creative practices to a wider audience and for people to be able to purchase handmade items from our region that are a reflection of our cultural histories,” Arts North West Executive Director, Lauren Mackley said.
These markets are a collaboration with the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place and Settlement Services International’s (SSI) Ignite Small Business Start-ups Program.
ACCKP has been a prominent feature in the local arts community since 1988. Alongside their two art galleries, they also provide a family history centre, gift shop and café. Outside of their regular art exhibitions, they also provide cultural activities, tours, and workshops.
To find out more about the Centre, their workshops and the other community activities they hold, visit their Facebook page or website.