A crowd of over 60 attendees explored the show, which includes a broad array of works and mediums, showcasing First Nations artists from across the region of all ages, skills and interests.
The NAIDOC Week Benalla exhibition provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the richness and diversity of First Nations creativity while celebrating the strength, resilience and ongoing contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the region.
Featured in the exhibition are works by leading local artists Aunty Gayelene Arandall, Aunty Cheryl Cooper, Christina FitzgeraldBaboussouras, Uncle Chris Thorne, Aunty Desiree Walker, Miley Woodstock, alongside community projects by Benalla P–12 College’s Waller St students, North East Flexible Learning Network students, Tomorrow Today’s Anganya students, the Benalla Deadly Women’s Yarning Group, and Waminda Community House.
Benalla Health Interimchief executive officer, Donovan Jacka said Benalla Health has been on a journey to improve cultural safety, especially over the past decade.
“We undertake annual cultural safety walk-rounds, initially started by Uncle Chris Thorne as a lead voice,” he said.
“These are key in our ongoing reconciliation journey, and also where art plays an important part.
“Benalla Health now has several large artworks across our campus by First Nations persons, many of whom are local.
“Conversations with the art gallery team felt like a great opportunity, as we increasingly witnessed the healing and deeply spiritual nature of art.”
Benalla Art Gallery Director, Eric Nash, said that as a cultural institution, he believes it is essential to provide spaces where First Nations voices, stories, perspectives and artistic practices can be celebrated and shared.
“Showing respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures is not simply a matter of acknowledgment,” he said.
“It is about actively creating opportunities for those cultures to be visible, valued and celebrated within our community.
“This exhibition reflects that commitment, and it’s been heartening to see such strong interest.”
The NAIDOC Week Benalla exhibition continues until September 6, and is free to enter.
