2024-07-12
The annual NAIDOC Community Art Exhibition opens to the public today and will showcase the diverse talents of First Nations artists in the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC).
The exhibition features around 30 artworks, primarily traditional First Nations paintings, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultural stories and personal experiences. All artwork is available for purchase, with proceeds going directly to the artists’ trust accounts to support their rehabilitation and reintegration in the community.
Minister for Corrections and Justice Health Emma Davidson said the AMC NAIDOC art exhibition nurtures cultural connection, resilience, and rehabilitation of First Nations people in the criminal justice system.
“The AMC art exhibition recognises the unique talents people in our criminal justice system and nurtures this passion to create something that is meaningful to them. It creates a sense of pride, achievement and belonging to the broader Canberra community,” Minister Davidson said.
“Celebrating the unique skills of people in AMC and providing them the avenues to pursue their interests and set them on the best trajectory for life back in the community – strengthening opportunities to excel in social connection, employment and education.”
Mathew, a Barngala man, is one of the AMC artists whose work will be displayed at the exhibition. He said art grounds him and maintains his cultural connection as a descendent of the Traditional Owners of the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia.
“I try to create artworks that reflect aspects of my family members. This keeps me feeling close to them whilst I am in the AMC. I feel proud to have my artwork featured in the exhibition,” Matthew said.
Mathew’s art has previously been purchased by the Justice and Community Safety Directorate, and features in the ACT Corrective Services ‘Be the Change We Seek: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Offender Framework’ strategic document.
“I was proud to see my artwork and acknowledgement of it in this publication. I am always looking at other options to showcase my art,” he said.
The AMC has a dedicated art space with easels, canvasses, craft wood and wooden artefacts for painting or carving. This year approximately 12 people in AMC have been enrolled in the Cultural Arts Program, which has three two-hour classes per week. Classes are led by detainees experienced in art and mentors from Gugan Gulwan, a Wanniassa-based Aboriginal Youth Centre.
The exhibition runs from 12 July to 23 August at Community Services #1 Gallery in Narrabundah, offering a unique opportunity to engage with diverse artistic expressions and support the artists’ journeys.
Quotes attributable to ACT Corrective Services Commissioner Bruno Aloisi
“The NAIDOC Community Art Exhibition is not just a display of beautiful artwork; it's a window into the hearts and minds of the talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists at the AMC.
“For many detainees, initiatives such as the Cultural Arts Program allow them to cultivate new talents and even identities based on their artistic pursuits. Most importantly, it also provides for rehabilitative and developmental pathways are culturally grounded and meaningful.”
Quotes attributable to AMC Aboriginal Liaison Officer and exhibition coordinator Zuzette
“This year’s exhibition includes a wide variety of artistic genres that all share a common thread in celebrating the detainees’ connection to their culture. Art has given each of these detainees a powerful means of self-expression, cultural connection and personal growth. Some of detainees are already accomplished artists, while others have just begun their journey.”
Quote attributable to Community Services #1 CEO Simon Bennett
“It’s our privilege to again host this important exhibition for the 12th time. It’s a significant event on our calendar and one which we’re very proud to showcase.”