Council celebrates ARTBOX launch with official opening of Luruk-In exhibition Gaanbona

Strathbogie Shire Council is excited to announce the official launch of ARTBOX – a new travelling exhibition space for the municipality.

The launch was celebrated with the official opening of the space’s first exhibition by proud Taungurung artist Aimee McCartney of Luruk-In.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said the event was a fabulous ceremony where guests took part in a special smoking ceremony.

“We were honoured to have Uncle Mick Harding conduct the ceremony, giving us great insight into the history and meaning of this important cultural practice,” Cr Binks said.

Cr Binks said Council was proud to launch the space with Taungurung artist Aimee McCartney and congratulated her on the how fantastic the curation looked.

“The beautiful colourful works pop out so brightly in the space, which can be viewed at any time in the Seven Creeks Park, Euroa.”

Aimee said she was humbled to be a part of the ARTBOX initiative.

“It is an exciting way to connect to community and visitors in the region,” she said.

“For me, as an Aboriginal artist, I am so happy to be able to bring my solo exhibition GAANBONA which means bright and happy in Taungurung language back onto my mother’s country – my country – for all the community and its visitors to see.

“I am extremely proud of my lineage and the continuation of telling stories through my art in this region. I am extremely dedicated to sharing our stories by putting paint to canvas.

“Each piece in my collection represents a connection to country, a deep spirituality, and a rich history that has been passed down to me from generation to generation. Each piece represents countless hours of careful thought, contemplation, and creativity all inspired by Taungurung country, my country, my culture and my family.

“It is my hope that my artwork can offer a glimpse into our rich culture – inspire all of you to connect and learn about First Nations’ history, stories and language and finally to recognise the importance of preserving and celebrating this vital part of our Australian identity.”

Cr Binks said the collaboration would be the first of many with artists as the space travels throughout the Shire on its designated schedule.

“The travelling exhibition space, promoting professional and emerging artists and makers, is an exciting and innovative way to connect community and visitors to our region through Arts and Culture.

“It provides opportunities for regional and remote communities in the Shire to create, experience and engage with arts and culture.

“ARTBOX is a mobile, professional exhibition space that welcomes proposals from artists, designers, festivals, curators, community and cultural groups in all art forms including but not limited to; visual arts, sculpture, craft, design, digital media, architectural installations, performance, literary arts, installation/ site specific works, fashion and cultural heritage projects that display innovative ideas and approaches.

“Council’s aim is to provide a diverse and engaging annual exhibition program containing a mix of Council run exhibitions, local artists and art groups as well as some visiting and out of area artists.”

To find out more about ARTBOX or to express your interest in using the space, visit https://www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/community/arts-and-culture/artbox/

ARTBOX is being brought to Strathbogie Shire with Creative Victoria grant funding.