Taking Wellington Aboriginal community’s “blank canvas” to the next level
The new Maliyan Cultural Centre will be poised to host more exhibitions, installations and events thanks to a grant from Create NSW’s Creative Capital program.
Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) has received $35,000 to install internal, removable walls and projectors to enhance the centre’s gallery space.
“The Maliyan Cultural Centre is only a relatively new space but already its punching well above its weight with the first exhibition – ID(hero) – a community collaboration with Kamilaroi artist Dennis Golding,” Mr Saunders said.
“Dennis was a finalist in the 2021 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, and has been announced as an exhibiting artist in the 2022 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art.
“ID(hero) really inspired young people in Wellington to be the hero in their own lives, and I hope this funding will lead to more inspirational exhibitions, installations and events here in Wellington!”
Wellington LALC CEO Tara Stanley is a photographer and collaborated on ID(hero) and said actioning the grant “will be an exciting time for this space.”
“Right now it’s like a blank canvas so we can really liven this place up and take it to the next level,” Ms Stanley said.
“It’s really good to see what we can do in the future, and with this funding we can really make some moves.”