Bunbury City Council on Tuesday 30 April endorsed the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery’s first ever South West Noongar Arts Strategy – a plan designed to guide the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery in the development of its programming, engagement with Noongar artists and promotion of indigenous art.
The strategy includes research on the current state of Noongar arts and culture in the region, summarises opportunities and challenges inherent in building the sector and identifies BRAG’s purpose and role in audience and industry development.
Extensive consultation was carried out which resulted in input from the Noongar community, key State and National arts organisations along with other South West galleries and Local Government Authorities.
The development of the strategy has been funded through a grant from the South West Development Commission Royalties for Regions South West Community Chest Fund.
Noongar Arts Program participants and the Goomburrup Aboriginal Corporation have reviewed and approved the strategy.
As part of the strategy the City of Bunbury will employ a part-time Noongar Arts Officer to be based at BRAG.
Key focus areas of the strategy include: • Advocacy and leadership BRAG will advocate for community led sector development and for best practice protocols in creating, exhibiting and trading Indigenous art.
• Market and professional development BRAG will expand the local, national and international audience for SW Noongar art and will build the creative and professional capacity of artists to respond to a growing market for cultural products
• Regional development and cross sector collaboration BRAG will ensure that Noongar arts and its development is a component of any regional arts development activities or discussions.
• Noongar Culture in the public domain BRAG will captivate new audiences with engaging and impactful Aboriginal arts experiences
Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan acknowledged and thanked all who took part in producing the strategy.
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“This strategy will work to expand and enrich engagement with Noongar arts and culture in the South West through development of a thriving Aboriginal arts industry,” Mayor Brennan said.
“It will also provide a resource for artists, arts workers and community members with an interest in South West Noongar art as well as acknowledges the breadth and depth of Noongar arts and culture while remaining focused on visual arts.”
The South West Noongar Arts Strategy can be viewed online at bunbury.wa.gov.au by searching South West Noongar Arts Strategy and also on brag.org.au.
