Art Centres
BALUK ARTS
Baluk Arts is an Aboriginal owned and led community arts centre and gallery, the only of its kind in the southeast of the state. Based in Mount Eliza, the gateway to the captivating Mornington Peninsula, Baluk Arts supports artistic, career and audience development for Aboriginal artist members from the southeast and wider Australia. Artworks reflect themes of identity in a contemporary cultural context. Baluk Arts encourages artistic excellence, community development, leadership, participation and interaction through innovative arts practices. Baluk Arts programs foster a deeper understanding of Aboriginal arts.
At the showcase, they will present works by Adam Magennis (Bunurong) and Iluka Sax-Williams (Taungurung).
KAIELA ARTS
Established in 2006, Kaiela Arts is an Aboriginal art centre located in Shepparton on the traditional lands of the Yorta Yorta Nation. The centre’s work drives important outcomes for both the artists and the broader Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community. Kaiela Arts provides an accessible studio and social space for local Aboriginal artists to connect, create and share art with everyone. Kaiela Arts is a welcoming environment in which to connect and learn about local Aboriginal culture and acquire Aboriginal artwork.
At the showcase, the centre will present works by Jack Anselmi (Yorta Yorta), Ally Knight (Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kamilaroi), Norm Yakaduna Stewart (Kwat Kwat, Wurundjeri, Yalaba Yalaba, Moira) along with a ceramics presentation by Cynthia Hardie, Laurel Robinson, Amy Briggs, Rochelle Patten, Lyn Thorpe, and Melinda Solomon
PERRIDAK ARTS
Perridak Arts was established in 2023 by the Ballarat & District Aboriginal Cooperative (BADAC), after a need was identified for local First Nations artists to develop a venue to sell and display their art. BADAC provides programs and supports to First Nation’s people in the local area and employ over 200 staff and continues to be an important provider of employment and support to the local First Nation’s community. BADAC is proud that Perridak Arts is another step forward on the path to self-determination for all First Nation’s people.
As part of the VFPADF showcase, the centre will feature works by Donna Blackall (Yorta Yorta, Taungurung) and Adrian Rigney (Wotjobaluk, Ngarrindjeri);
THE TORCH
Since June 2011 The Torch has been providing art, cultural and arts industry support to Indigenous offenders and ex-offenders in Victoria through its Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community program. The Torch supports Indigenous men and women both in prisons and post-release in Victoria to explore their Indigenous culture and identity through practising art. The Torch’s major annual exhibitions are Confined and Future Dreaming. Exhibitions provide opportunities for participants in The Torch program to redefine themselves as artists and to generate income through selling artwork.
As part of the showcase, The Torch will present works by Alfred Carter (Gunaikurnai), Stacey Edwards (Taungurung, Boon Wurrung), Ash Thomas (Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri) and Robby Wirramanda (Wergaia, Wotjobaluk).
@melbourneartfair
