KINGSTON City Hall was lit up with projections by artist Josh Muir on Sunday to kick off the annual NAIDOC celebrations.
Artworks by the multimedia artist and proud Yorta Yorta/Gunditjmara man were projected onto the clock tower.
Earlier that day, the month-long program was launched with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, and the opening of Indigenous artist Paola Balla’s exhibition Songlines Her: Stories.
The mayor Cr Tamsin Bearsley said everybody was welcome to attend. “Come along and immerse yourself in the rich culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Cr Bearsley said.
“This is the seventh year running that Kingston Arts celebrates NAIDOC with a range of arts and cultural activities. It is a great time for all of us to learn about the rich social, cultural and spiritual contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
NAIDOC Week runs to Sunday 10 July, but the full program of events runs until 2 August, including the exhibition Songlines Her: Stories by Paola Balla, at Kingston Arts Centre.
In her Artist Floor Talk, 2pm, Saturday 16 July, Ms Bella will consider this year’s national NAIDOC theme of Songlines: The Living Narrative of our Nation. She will present a series of photographic and site-specific works as a love letter of respect and awe to her Aboriginal family and the strong, beautiful women within it.
Clock Tower Projections by Mr Muir will screen 6-9pm every day.
The Baluk Arts Workshop for Kids is 2-4pm, Saturday 9 July, at Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkdale. This fun workshop offers traditional Indigenous storytelling and the opportunity for children to create their own mini-storybook using Aboriginal symbols and designs.
The Sapphires film screening and afternoon tea is 2-5pm, Saturday 23 July, at Kingston Arts Centre, Moorabbin. It offers patrons the chance to nourish their body, mind and soul with a celebration of Indigenous culture.
They can relive the glitz, grit and gorgeous songs of The Sapphires and hear stories from one of the originals, Aunty Lois Peeler, and actors from the movie. It will be followed by an Indigenous afternoon tea.
The Baluk Arts Workshop for Adults is 2-5pm, Saturday 30 July, at Kingston Arts Centre, Moorabbin. Learn traditional Indigenous weaving techniques and create a bush sculpture creature.
The Kingston Arts Centre is at 979-985 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin, and Shirley Burke Theatre is at 64 Parkers Rd, Parkdale.
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 6 July 2016