Flying Arts Alliance is delighted to announce a successful bid for Queensland State Government Playing Queensland support for public programs to accompany the Queensland-wide regional tour of artwork from Yarrabah artists Jabu Birriny (land + sea) touring in partnership with Yarrabah Arts and Cultural Precinct.
Jabu Birriny (land + sea) is an exhibition that celebrates the unique environment of Yarrabah, a small town on the shore of Cape Grafton in Far North Queensland, and its importance to culture as the Country of the Gunggandji people. Jabu Birriny (land + sea) showcases stories rich in past and recent histories with vibrant prints, textiles and ceramics.
Exciting new engagement programs to accompany the exhibition tour will now begin production thanks to Playing Queensland support, travelling artists, community members and elders from Yarrabah to share art and culture with specially invited Indigenous and Non-Indigenous community members from galleries in ten regional Queensland locations.
Jabu Birriny (land + sea) touring initiative will also assist with supporting a new publication showcasing creative Yarrabah. Darrell Harris, YACP manager, says the publication will contribute to communicating the identity and culture of Yarrabah alongside the touring exhibition:
“Art and artefacts will not be the only feature of the publication. Designs from local artists are also brought to life as stunning wearable art such as clothing, jewellery, bags and accessories,” said Harris.
Flying Arts CEO, Kerryanne Farrer says the Playing Queensland funding support is vital for Flying Arts to be able to facilitate the connection between the Yarrabah Artists and the galleries hosting the touring exhibition:
“Flying Arts supports the ongoing practice, development and appreciation of visual arts in Queensland, so we are delighted to receive this funding to ensure the artists from Yarrabah travel with the exquisite exhibition,” she said.
“By being there in person, the artists will be able to share the stories, language, art and culture of the rainforest people of Yarrabah, Far North Queensland, to a range of diverse communities around the state.”
Yarrabah Arts and Cultural Precinct artists showing in Jabu Birriny (Land + Sea) are Philomena Yeatman, Michelle Yeatman, Valmai Pollard, Edna Ambrym, Ruben Ambrym, and the exhibition includes also independent artist, Elverina Johnson who was the NAIDOC 2017 Artist of the Year. The new tour also includes beautiful additional artworks from a relatively new Yarrabah artist, Eric Orcher.
Jabu Birriny (land + sea) commences it tour of regional Queensland at Menmuny Museum Gallery, Yarrabah Arts and Cultural Precinct, 14/15th June 2019, to coincide with QMF’s 2019 Yarrabah Music & Cultural Festival.
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The original Jabu Birriny (land + sea) exhibition was co-curated by State Library of Queensland (SLQ) and Yarrabah Arts and Cultural Precinct (YACP), a branch of the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council.
Flying Arts Alliance is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Flying Arts Alliance acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and seas on which we work, live and create. We also pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Flying Arts is an arts and cultural development organisation which has been delivering visual arts projects and services to regional and remote Queensland since 1971. The Association has played a significant role in inspiring artists and communities, as well as helping to overcome the impacts of regional isolation and remote living.
For more information please contact:
Kat Johnston
Marketing and Communications Lead
Flying Arts Alliance
comms@flyingarts.org.au
The Regional Arts Fund (RAF) is an Australian Government program designed to benefit regional and remote arts practitioners, arts workers, audiences and communities. The fund is provided through Regional Arts Australia and is administered in Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance.