Exploring creative engagement methodologies to celebrate the art making of local indigenous Artists: case studies ‘Passage Through Ceremony’ and ‘Hand Me Down Project'
Through the development of a new arts program, Art in the Conservatory the City of Greater Bendigo continues to strengthen it’s partnerships with Indigenous Artists and community. The Conservatory is a popular space for creative and cultural expression via the creation of contemporary sculpture and installation art.
The City of Greater Bendigo will explore creative engagement methodologies used to celebrate the art making of local Indigenous Artists.
Case Study 1
Passage Through Ceremony - Funded through Arts Victoria Arts Development for Communities program and City of Greater Bendigo. The City commissioned Indigenous Artist Gayle Maddigan to create a culturally significant artwork for public display that symbolised indigenous people and their connection to country. The art work was a collaboration between the artist and the Indigenous tribes that are represented within Dja Dja Wrung Country, the City of Greater Bendigo and surrounding districts.
The installation was made of rich textures of red material used to show the spiritual and physical relationship to the land according to traditional law and customs. The sculpture explores connection to country: past, present and future and represents kinship lines through blood.
Case Study 2
Hand Me Down Project - Funded by Vic Health Community Participation Scheme and City of Greater Bendigo. The plant life usually on display was removed from the conservatory and in its place an indigenous garden constructed from textiles wire, ceramic and mixed media was installed. Over 60 participants from various community groups and organisations were involved in free workshops in the lead up to the exhibition including The Bendigo Indigenous Women’s Art Council and Indigenous Girls Art Group.
Maree McLachlan is the Arts and Cultural Team Leader, Community and Cultural Development at the City of Greater Bendigo. Maree has worked in the Arts & Cultural sector for over 8 years and is responsible for developing innovative programs and partnerships that enable the community to experience the arts.
Bridget Robertson is the Youth Arts Officer for City of Greater Bendigo and facilitator of the Bendigo Youth Arts Network. The Youth Arts Network comprises of 14 core network member agencies and 15 support agencies from the health, justice, education and youth sector committed to providing a platform for a coordinated approach to the development and delivery of arts projects for young people. Bridget has also worked as a community artist and facilitator for the past 7 years.