Victoria’s first Aboriginal arts and tourism hub has a new home in the heart of Bendigo where local artists can show their work and traditional owners can run cultural tours and programs for visitors.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards today represented Minister for Employment Vicki Ward and visited the new DUMAWUL Cultural Tourism and Creative Arts Hub, created by traditional owners group DJAARA.
Supported by the Allan Labor Government, the hub will be a space where social enterprise DUMAWUL can grow its offering of cultural tourism products and tours that reflect the local heritage.
The space will support emerging and established artists to hold workshops and exhibitions, and it will also act as a launching pad for the Malaymia Mang Creative Arts Festival, which is held in Bendigo each year.
DUMAWUL also runs a popular immersive walking tour, which will be enhanced as part of the new space with the launch of the Djaara Cultural Tourism and Cultural Creative Arts Trail – visitors will follow ancient trade routes through Bendigo and learn about how they worked.
The hub has been funded through the Labor Government’s Yuma Yirramboi (Invest in Tomorrow) Strategy, which includes a $25 million investment into Aboriginal employment and business initiatives over the first two years.
The Government is supporting four Aboriginal economic and creative hubs across Victoria including Murran in Geelong led by Ngarrimilli and yet to be opened hubs in Gippsland and Ballarat.
To find out more about DUMAWUL visit https://dumawul.com.au/.
As stated by Minister for Employment Vicki Ward MP
“Lead by community, we’re creating spaces where Aboriginal entrepreneurs and artists can come together to collaborate and create, we are supporting self-determination and a more equitable future.”
“The DUMAWUL Cultural Tourism and Creative Arts Hub in Bendigo is a beautiful space that will come to life with the local artists, creatives and businesses who will call it home and work together under the one roof.”
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP
“Bendigo is looking forward to this wonderful new space, and interactive walking tour, which will draw more visitors to our town and celebrate our local Aboriginal heritage.”
As stated by Dja Dja Wurrung Group Acting CEO Cassandra Lewis
“The DUMAWUL Creative Arts and Cultural Tourism Hub provides both Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff and visitors opportunities that directly link to Djaara’s aspirations by showcasing history, truth and black excellence.”
“We are excited to be in the heart of Bendigo to assist in bringing the original culture back into the landscape.”
