Released 12/07/2018
Aboriginal artist to focus on Indigenous Anzacs on Wellington Exchange
One of the ACT’s most talented Aboriginal artists has been chosen to take part in the Canberra Wellington Indigenous Artist Exchange pilot, Minister for the Arts and Community Events, Gordon Ramsay announced today as part of NAIDOC Week.
Dean Cross will fly to Canberra’s sister city Wellington in April to explore the shared history of Indigenous Anzacs using photo and video based practices. The project will explore themes of transcultural mourning, Indigenous and non-Indigenous remembrance practices and the complexities of Indigenous National Service in a post-colonial paradigm.
“Dean is a talented young artist and he’ll be using this fantastic opportunity to immerse himself in a new arts context and culture,” Minister Ramsay said.
“We’re looking forward to working with our colleagues in Wellington to develop this important program to help strengthen cultural connections between our two cities, and celebrate what’s unique about both places.”
artsACT is working closely with Wellington City Council to select a Māori artist from the Wellington region to spend six weeks here in Canberra during 2018-19. Tailored programs will be developed for each of the artists, to optimise the opportunity and connection within the host community.
To learn more about the exchange as it progresses, visit www.arts.act.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Dean Cross:
“Like many Australians, I have an ancestor who lost their life on the 25th April, 1915, at Gallipoli. As an artist I am interested in how one navigates the cultural space of being both proud to be part of the Anzac narrative, but not necessarily supportive of war, especially as it has developed throughout the 20th century,” Dean said. “I am particularly interested in the intersections of history where one narrative is championed, whilst another is omitted, particularly in relation to our Indigenous history. By examining trans-cultural mourning my hope is to be able to provide a foundation for deeper cultural empathy toward those who have suffered, and are suffering, from the effects of the current global war situations.”
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases