Aboriginal Art Exhibition - Annecto

Aboriginal Art Exhibition

NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATION:  annecto to host an Aboriginal Art Gallery and Exhibition on Kempsey’s main street.

Family is at the heart of the Kempsey Aboriginal community on the mid north coast of NSW and it’s the reason behind a group of the town’s Elders asking annecto, their aged care service provider,  to help create an art exhibition as a way to help strengthen community bonds, particularly between the Elders and the younger generations.

“We wanted an opportunity for some of our young people to connect with their community, their family and their Elders through art and culture. To find a little bit of hope and a different way forward than the stories of the past”

That wish has become a reality with the opening of an Aboriginal Art Exhibition at annecto’s Kempsey office during NAIDOC Week. It will feature local artists, some of whom will be having their art on public display for the very first time.

“People say I’m a leader and a mentor to young Aboriginal men who end up in prison and that makes me feel pretty good. This is the first time I’ve had artwork in an exhibition and that makes me feel good too.”

To celebrate NAIDOC Week (8-15 November) annecto is working with Kempsey’s Aboriginal community to host a Pop-Up Gallery showcasing art and craft from local Aboriginal artists which explores this year’s theme:  “Always Was, Always Will Be.”

The exhibition will showcase 8 artists including:

  • Wayne ‘Parrot’ Barry
  • Milton Budge (Deceased)
  • Ethel Hoskins
  • William Morris
  • Nancy Pattison
  • Kelly Roach
  • Veronica ‘Lola’ Smith
  • Elaine Widders

The Gallery exhibition will officially open from 5pm on Wednesday 11 November 2020 and will be followed the next day with a Kempsey Elders Yarning Circle, a Storytelling session at 11am on Thursday 12 November.

annecto engages with and runs a range of support programs and activities which promote and enhance cultural diversity and social inclusion for the wider Macleay Valley community. 

Having recently moved to new, multi-purpose retail and office space on Smith Street, the main street of Kempsey, annecto intend the Pop Up Gallery to provide artists and the community with a taste of what is to come when from 2021, the space will hold a permanent gallery, artist studio and café. 

For Further Media Information

Michael Hercock
Executive Manager, NSW
Michael.hercock@annecto.org.au
Mobile:  0404 861 366

Kerry Wade
Practice Leader
Kerry.wade@annecto.org.au
Mobile:  0419 766 794

Paulette Whitton
Aboriginal Liaison Officer
Paulette.Whitton@annecto.org.au
Mobile:  0412 683 302