Gallery space to focus on First Nations

ART works and cultural items from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will soon have a new dedicated exhibition space in Bendigo.

The new gallery space, called Djaa Djuwima, will be located inside the Post Office Gallery at the Bendigo Visitor Centre on Pall Mall.

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the establishment of the space linked to the municipal reconciliation action plan.

“Djaa Djuwima is an exciting and important cultural step in reconciliation, to better understand, recognise and respect the living culture and creativity of our traditional custodians of the land,” she said.

“A priority action in the Greater Creative Bendigo Strategy has been to establish a designated gallery space to address the underrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and their culture.

“Djaa Djuwima is poised to become a beacon for contemporary and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and makers who are living in or who are connected to the Greater Bendigo region.”

The space will host three exhibitions a year, with works and displays curated by Bendigo Venues and Events first nations arts officer Janet Bromley.

Ms Bromley is also behind a group known as Wartaka that celebrates and champions First Nations artists.

Aunty Lyn Warren is part of Wartaka and said Djaa Djuwima will pay a key role in highlighting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creativity, as well as wider societal impacts.

“The gallery will showcase First Nations culture, art and storytelling and reinforce the significant contributions we can bring to the broader community,” Aunty Lyn said.

“Through different works produced from artefacts, paintings to weaving, this new gallery will strengthen the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, customs and stories that will deepen and enrich our region’s cultural experiences and create better understanding.”

The new gallery space will open for the first time on 24 November.