In the lead up to NAIDOC Week 2016, the Parliament of NSW is joining the community to reflect on themes of reconciliation and to celebrate the history, culture and achievement of Aboriginal people. As we do so, the Parliament encourages Aboriginal artists to connect with the Parliament’s Reconciliation Wall.
Inaugurated on 31 March 1998, the Reconciliation Wall is an exhibition space within Parliament House dedicated to promoting Aboriginal art and expression. It provides a unique opportunity for artists to connect with a range of political and public audiences; encouraging discussion of Aboriginal communities and contemporary art forms.
Individual artists, collectives, groups and organisations are all encouraged to apply to display an exhibition on the Reconciliation Wall, sponsored by their local Member of Parliament. Click here for full terms and conditions or phone 02 9230 3509.
The first exhibition on the Wall was designed and curated by the Boomali Artists’ Collective and has since been followed by countless community exhibitions, celebrations of cultural events and exhibitions of the Parliament’s own collection of contemporary Aboriginal art. Current highlights include winners of the Parliament of NSW Aboriginal Art Prize, while an upcoming exhibition of the Max Employment 2016 National Indigenous Art Competition will help to celebrate the themes of NAIDOC Week 2016.
“The Reconciliation Wall is one of the central features of the Parliament’s public spaces,” said the Hon Don Harwin MLC, President of the Legislative Council.
“As Australia’s first and oldest Parliament we have a responsibility to ensure that concerns and aspirations of the Aboriginal community find expression here.
”We are pleased to be able to support the promotion and development of Aboriginal artists,” Mr Harwin said.
“Through art, we can explore the many themes and issues that are important to Aboriginal communities and indeed all communities in New South Wales,” said the Hon Shelley Hancock MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
“So if you are an Aboriginal artist we encourage you to connect with the space, and to encourage others in your network to do the same. It might be a small space, but it can have an important and lasting impact,” Mrs Hancock said.
