Published on Monday, 25 November 2024 at 9:30:53 AM
The Shire of East Pilbara and Martumili Artists were very proud to be awarded the Local Government Professionals WA Connecting Communities Award.
The award recognises that Local Government plays a key role as a community enabler through providing opportunities, places and spaces for their communities to meet, play, engage and prosper, and local governments that are taking proactive approaches to developing vibrant connected communities.
Martumili Artists was established by Martu people living in the communities of Parnpajinya (Newman), Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu, Kunawarritji, Irrungadji and Warralong, and it draws on strong influences of aboriginal art history. After long and cautious observation of other desert artists’ experiences of the art market.
The artists and their families are the traditional custodians of vast stretches of the Great Sandy, Little Sandy and Gibson Deserts as well as the Karlamilyi (Rudall River) area.
Many of the works by Martumili artists are representations of Country as defined by familial ties- artists paint “where their family is from and where they belong to” (Kuru Gladys Bidu). One’s Country encompasses their birthplace, and the Country they and their family lived on during the pujiman era. Collectively these works make clear the inseparable relationship between walytja and Country.
Walytja groups had rights to their ngurra (home Country, camp) as inherited over generations. Also passed down over generations was the intimate knowledge of the physical and cultural properties of one’s Country, and the responsibility to care for and nurture one’s ngurra. The passing of rights and responsibilities through walytja in relation to specific lands continues today.
Works are created throughout the region, with a Gallery in Newman and art sheds in community. The close collaboration of the Artists and Staff enables strong success.
The East Pilbara Arts Centre is designed to nurture a sense of ownership amongst the people of the East Pilbara and link the community through events, exhibitions, learning and engaging the whole community in active participation. The facility houses Martumili Artists and includes a gallery art storage space, a studio for artist development, a commercial kitchen and separate kitchenette, laundry, pump and camp storage room, office space and a caretakers residence. There is also a large open area that is available for events and functions.
The Shire encourages everyone to come and visit the East Pilbara Arts Centre, and check out the amazing online store showcasing Artists works which has been developed as a part of the long term collaboration.
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