Indigenous art exhibition explores Woorabinda culture

A new exhibition of art and craft works by the women of Woorabinda is now open in kuril dhagun at the State Library of Queensland (SLQ).

Minister for Science and Innovation Leeanne Enoch said Renewed by Gumbi Crew was the first community-led exhibition in SLQ’s Indigenous space.

“The Renewed by Gumbi Crew exhibition showcases a collection of mixed media works created by the Gumbi Gunyah Women and Children’s Wellbeing Centre of Woorabinda,” Ms Enoch said.

“The pieces curated for Renewed are a stunning collection, and reflect the resilience and strength of spirit of the Gumbi Crew.”

The Gumbi Gunyah Women and Children’s Wellbeing Centre is run by the Australian Red Cross, and deals predominantly with homelessness, and domestic and family violence.

Ms Janelle Evans, artist and member of the Gumbi Crew, said she hoped the exhibition would bring the issue of household violence to the fore.

“Domestic and family violence is not only a local community issue, it is an issue that we have to address as a nation,” Ms Evans said.

State Librarian Janette Wright said the exhibition was an opportunity for State Library to continue to promote cultural understanding and respect.

“For a group such as the Gumbi Gunyah Women and Children’s Wellbeing Centre, this is a chance to educate the broader Queensland community about the centre’s work in Woorabinda,” she said.

“Renewed allows the women of the Gumbi Crew to share their stories outside their community and connect with others.”

kuril dhagun’s community exhibition program invites Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists and art groups from across Queensland to exhibit their work in the unique kuril dhagun space.

Following an Expression of Interest process, the selected artists collaborate with kuril dhagun staff at State Library and receive development and co-curation support for their exhibition.

Renewed by Gumbi Crew, kuril dhagun, level 1, State Library of Queensland, South Bank, until 4 October 2015. For more information visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on

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Media Contact: Tim Shipstone – 3719 7281, 0419 246 157.