Primary school students from across the region descended on the Manning Regional Art Gallery and MidCoast Council as part of a special Aboriginal art program.
“The HOME program helps students develop and deepen their understanding of New South Wales Aboriginal art and history,” said Art Gallery Director, Rachel Piercy.
“The face-to-face excursion to the Manning Regional Art Gallery and the gallery space at Yalawanyi Ganya, MidCoast Council’s administration and customer service centre is a highlight of the program, where students and teachers met with the local Aboriginal community to learn about Biripi and Worimi culture and language.”
They heard the special story of Bilinga, the magpie and how he got his colours, as told by Biripi Elder Pastor Russell Saunders OAM. They also learnt about the Gathang language, the language spoken by the Biripi, Worimi and Guringay people, and participated in special artmaking activities.
The resulting collaborative work will be on display at the Manning Regional Art Gallery later this year.
The eight participating schools for 2023 were Barrington Public, School Bobin Public School, Coopernook Public School, Gloucester Public School, Lansdowne Public School, Nabiac Public School, Taree Public School, and Taree West Public School.
As well as the delivery of a bespoke visual arts program for Stage three students over three school terms, the Home program also provided professional learning for teachers, regional gallery staff and local artists.
