Bunbury to have first South West Noongar Arts Space for cultural connection and preservation in the community

The City of Bunbury will create a Noongar arts space in the heart of the city, being the first area in the South West to have a hub for First Nations artwork. The city was awarded a grant from the Alcoa Foundation, which will be used to create the space alongside guidance from the Gnaala Karla Boodja Aboriginal Corporation. GKB chief executive officer Bruce Jorgensen said it’s important to have an arts space for Indigenous culture to be expressed. “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,” 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. “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.” Bunbury mayor Jaysen Miguel said the project team have been working hard. “This is an important and significant partnership for the First Nations and broader community,” he said. “We’re thrilled the city has been successful in this grant application. I know city staff and GKB have been doing a lot of work to get this project to reality.” Bunbury Regional Art Gallery Aboriginal Advisory Group and GKB will oversee the city-led project. Outreach programs will engage other communities including Waroona and Harvey, with workshops and showcases also planned for the space.