Congratulations to Indigenous-owned Warmun Art Centre for winning the ‘2019 Western Australian Social Change Maker Award’ at the WA Telstra Business Awards.
Established in 1998, Warmun Art Centre is located in remote Western Australia, 200km south of Kununurra.
The Centre receives operational support through the Australian Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program to provide services to Gija artists, who continue to be among the nation’s leading contemporary practitioners.
Their art is held in most major public and private collections in Australia, and in important collections internationally.
‘This we hope, is a proud moment for Indigenous art centres, as we are recognised as leading, resilient businesses that have social impact in the communities we serve,’ Warmun Art Centre Director Gabriel Nodea said.
Warmun Art Centre has also received support through the Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts program.
The funded project ‘Nawarram Melagawoom Jarrag Yarrern Gija’ is an artistic and comedic film that is designed to showcase the unique Gija language group.
Elders and young people come together as performers, incorporating language, song, dance, painting and the landscape to tell a compelling story.
The project aims to revive Gija language in an engaging way through the film, which will be used to promote language, cultural awareness and pride – particularly relevant during the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages.
‘We’re committed to creating opportunities for Gija artists and the community,’ Gabriel said.
‘We take pride in maintaining, preserving and adhering to the cultural protocols of our Elders.’
