Alcoa supports Bunbury Noongar arts

The Alcoa Foundation is partnering with the city of Bunbury and Gnaala Karla Boodja (GKB) Aboriginal Corporation to establish a dedicated Noongar arts space in Bunbury’s city centre, WA.

This transformative grant from the Alcoa Foundation will enable the creation of a vibrant hub for First Nations art and culture, the first space of its kind in the south west region.

The new Noongar arts space will serve to develop and disseminate First Nations art, building on existing support from the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) program and the WA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSCI).

By empowering First Nations artists to create sustainable livelihoods, this arts space will provide a vital platform for truth-telling and cultural preservation, sharing the stories, histories and practices of Noongar people with wider audiences.

Regular workshops and annual showcases will further celebrate the creativity and talent of the community while fostering deeper connections to Noongar cultural heritage.

Aligned with the memorandum of understanding between the city and GKB, this partnership reflects the city’s commitment to working alongside First Nations Elders, artists and community members to celebrate and support Noongar culture.

The initiative will be led by the city, with extensive community consultation, oversight from the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery Aboriginal Advisory Group and collaboration with GKB to ensure the project reflects the aspirations of local First Nations communities.

To maximise its regional impact, the project will deliver a comprehensive outreach program to engage communities in the upper south west and peel regions, including Pinjarra, Dwellingup, Jarrahdale, Waroona and Harvey.

This approach is designed to address accessibility challenges and ensure that First Nations artists and community members across the region benefit from opportunities to participate and feel supported in continuing their long-standing cultural practices.

Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel says this is a vital partnership for the First Nations and broader community.

“I know city staff and GKB have been doing a lot of work to get this project to reality and the Alcoa Foundation’s support is a result of and testament to, the amazing work they’ve been doing,” he said.

“Congratulations to all involved; I cannot wait to see this arts space in our city centre, providing a dedicated space for Noongar artists and something our entire community can enjoy, listen and learn from.”

Gnaala Karla Boodja Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Bruce Jorgensen says Gnaala Karla Boodja Aboriginal Corporation is excited to be at the forefront of this transformative funding.

“The ongoing spiritual connection to our country and the opportunity to represent that connection through visual arts is vital to the cultural core of Noongar people. This initiative celebrates that connection and supports the ongoing and viable practice of the Noongar Arts Program,” he said.

“It is a commitment to a future where our Noongar children can see art as a viable employment opportunity. We believe this initiative will address economic disparities within our community and provide unprecedented opportunities for Noongar artists.

“By fostering a sustainable and thriving arts sector, we aim to create a ripple effect that benefits the entire region.

“GKB are immensely proud of the years of work previously put in by Wardandi artists, whose dedication and creativity have sustained the Noongar Arts Program over the years. Our local artists’ contributions have laid a strong foundation for this new initiative, which promises to elevate the program to new heights.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Mayor and the city of Bunbury for their proactive engagement and unwavering support. We look forward to our two organisations walking together as we continue to build a strong and enduring collaboration funded by the Alcoa Foundation.”

“Together, we are creating a vibrant future for Noongar art and culture, ensuring that our traditions are not only preserved but also thrive in the modern world.”

Alcoa Foundation president Caroline Rossignol says the establishment of a dedicated Noongar arts space in Bunbury aligns with the Alcoa Foundation’s global commitment to supporting resilient communities by fostering cultural preservation and supporting sustainable livelihoods for First Nations people.

“Guided by the community, this project will create a vibrant hub for Noongar art and culture and build opportunities for artists across the region to exhibit and share their work with the public,” she said.