Visibility is a difficulty for many artists, but if you are a woman, Indigenous and living in a region where Aboriginality is regarded by many as non-existent, then being recognised is a genuine struggle.
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In the face of that, four creative and culturally-aware Indigenous women have set out to create opportunities professionally, culturally and artistically, and for women to support each other.
Nardang Girri Kalat Mimini (NGKM) are a Victorian Indigenous women's and trans diverse art collective aiming to change the existing paradigm.
Nardang Girri Kalat Mimini - 'Mother Aunty Sister Daughter' in the four languages of the group's founders - are Glenda Nicholls (Yorta Yorta), Deanne Gilson (Wadawurrung), Georgia MacGuire (Wuruundjeri), and Bronwyn Razem (Gundjitmara).
It was established in 2016.
"It's unique in that it represents Victorian regional women and trans diverse artists - we focus on including non-binary people and how identity fits into culture," says Georgia McGuire, speaking for the group.
"In terms of the Victorian arts industry or even the Indigenous arts industry, these people struggle from a commercial point of view, and are isolated regionally. If you look at the Northern Territory or WA or even Queensland, there are distinct regional arts centres directly connected to commercial galleries."
There are a significant number of very high-profile women in the events planned by NGKM, the majority of whom have won awards and had solo shows and work in public collections - but have never been picked up or represented by a commercial gallery, Ms McGuire says.
"We've also targeted young and emerging artists, and two artists who are post-release (from prison) who have created an art practice and are re-engaging with their culture."
"We want to the challenge the stereotype of what Aboriginal art is, and what Aboriginal art and culture are, from a national perspective.To create a united organisation that can say what Victorian Aboriginal art and culture is about. That it's as valuable and artistic as anywhere else in the country."
NGKM are working collaboratively with The Dja Dja Wurrung Corp and Central Goldfields Shire, and received funding from Creative Victoria, Regional Arts Victoria and NETS Victoria to deliver a high-profile cultural event.
It will include a healing opening ceremony, an exhibition running until October at the Central Goldfields Regional Art Gallery, and activities such as weaving, bush toy making, painting with ochre, bush medicine workshops, and a tour of local cultural sites by a Dja Dja Wurrung elder.
"By acknowledging and healing the land we are inviting the ancestors to be present amongst the entire community through our art and culture; we are hoping to evoke social and community change through cultural expression and healing," Ms McGuire said.
"Maryborough in some ways is quite isolated from other regions but we are a close-knit and caring community. Ultimately, I want my home town and the cultural country I live on to be a place where people thrive, particularly the growing Aboriginal community here. I believe art and culture have the capacity to drive social change and offer healing and a way forward that no other outlets can."
Nardang Girri Kalat Mimini open Saturday August 17. For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/Ngardang/