Noongar Aboriginal Arts Strategy
The South West Development Commission provides an economic development focus for indigenous people in the South West region of WA, through the Noongar Arts Project which was initiated in 2001.
By facilitating and coordinating art exhibitions at national and international venues, the project promotes the Noongar culture and preserves ancient stories through the medium of art.
New marketing initiatives are addressing an increasing tourist demand for Noongar art and culture.
Noongar art postcards
The Commission has designed and completed a series of postcards that represent the Noongar Six Seasons. The Commission believes this is the first of its kind for the South West Region.
The concept has engaged six artists to submit artworks that depict the six seasons.The postcards will be sold as a fundraising activity with the proceeds going to the Noongar Arts Development Fund which is administered by the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries.
The concept provides an insight into the Noongar culture via quality Noongar art on postcards and a brochure, which has a short concise summary of the Noongar culture.
The postcards feature six paintings which depicts the six seasons. A photo of the artists and a short summary of what Noongar people traditionally did during that season is also included.
Noongar Aboriginal Art website
In association with local Noongar artists SWDC designed and developed the Noongar Aboriginal Art website, which encompasses the history of the Noongar people, where their tribal lands and boundaries were located, and an insight into their culture and beliefs.
The website 'artists gallery' showcases a number of inspirational works by local Noongar artists.
Noongar art has a traditional history, which enables artists to tell the stories of their ancestors. These stories from the past, as told through the artworks, ensures the Noongar culture is passed on and respected by future generations.
For more information on the Noongar Arts Project please contact Aboriginal Economic Development Officer, Flyn Narkle on +618 9792 2000 or fnarkle@swdc.wa.gov.au