Funded by Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

Dates:       24 - 28 Nov 2008

Artist Liz O’Reilly  will provide the regions first introduction to the research material collected on traditional Indigenous art for this region by James Wilson-Miller from the Powerhouse Museum.

The printmaking workshops will be held around the region in towns in the 6 shires served by Outback Arts over a 1 week period. The participants will be invited use this reference material to inspire and inform the artworks they will create. Its is hoped that the method of printmaking will help these artists and school children translate the patterns and styles from their own counties tradition in to new and exciting art works that truly represent their local identity.

 WRAP UP OF TOUR

At the end of November artist Liz O’Reilly submitted herself to a week long workshop tour of endurance. In the space of 5 days Liz delivered 2 workshops per day in 2 different towns, a grand total 10 workshops across the entire Outback Arts region.

To use her words she did say (playfully) that she felt a bit like a hostage, albeit a willing one. Having first shuddered at the ludicrous timetable, Liz seemed happy to spend the entire week being bundled in and out of class rooms and the Outback Arts car.

The workshop tour represented what maybe considered the tip of the iceberg in a huge partnership initiative between Outback Arts and The Powerhouse Museum.

The participants were encouraged to use pictures and photos provided by the Powerhouse in the artworks they produced under the guidance of Liz. This research showed details of forms of art traditionally practised by this regions Indigenous people and the material used in the class was specific to the location of each of the workshops.

This is the beginning of what could be a project that brings back a location and culturally specific artistic identity to the Indigenous people of this region.

Great moments were experienced all through the tour. Amazing artworks were created and there was huge excitement in learning new art making skills as well as sharing pictures and photos never widely seen before.

Children and adults alike surprised themselves at their own capabilities, teachers worked along side children to learn about their collective creative past. Hugs were demanded and given, thankyous and goodbyes were sang out in unison or whispered shyly. It was the tip of a very big project iceberg and a great beginning.

Communities visited:

Collarenebri

Lightning Ridge

Goodooga

Weilmoringle

Brewarrina

Bourke

Enngonia

Cobar

Warren

Gulargambone