First Nation’s Ambassadors Jandamarra Cadd and Cholena Hughes (Shell – leena), along with founding director of Sonder Studio Gallery, Gabby Sutherland, are excited to announce the opening of the NAIDOC Art Exhibition and Creative Activities.
This event is a platform for local First Nation’s artists to express their creativity and share their connection to their culture and country.
The exhibition aims to celebrate and honour the knowledge and wisdom of Australia’s First Nations artists while providing a space for sharing and gathering for the whole community.
The opening celebrations will take place on Saturday 1 July at 1pm.
The opening will feature a Welcome to Country ceremony presented by local Indigenous elders, and speeches from prominent cultural leaders. The gallery will be open from 10am – 4pm every Friday to Sunday and during workshop times.
Sonder Studio Gallery is located at Unit 20/5 Taylor Court Cooroy, in the new Cooroy Business Park.
Sonder Studio Gallery is a social enterprise continually working towards combating the exploitation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. To actively bring about change, First Nation’s artists retain 100 per cent profit from the sale of their art sold at Sonder.
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.
In addition to the art exhibition, Sonder Studio Gallery will host a month-long series of creative events to celebrate First Nations art and culture.
Events include:
• Colour Portrait Painting Workshop with Jandamarra Cadd.
• Making Sun Prints with Found Objects Cyanotype Workshop with Cholena Hughes.
• Art Culture Workshop with Nikita Fitzpatrick.
• Symbolic Identity Workshop with Mu-Raay Djeripi.
• A panel discussing the topic “What is Aboriginal Art?”.
Cholena said, “We’re thrilled to bring together such a dynamic group of more than 20 artists and cultural ambassadors for this
exhibition.“
“It’s so important to celebrate and honour the First Nations art and culture and to provide a platform for our local artists to showcase their work.“
Jandamarra Cadd said, “It’s such a valuable opportunity to come together and create.“
“I’m honoured to co-curate this exhibition with the amazing Cholena Hughes at Sonder Studio Gallery and I’m looking forward to being a part of this beautiful, healing event and coming together of our community.”
Gabby Sutherland said, “We are extremely grateful for the funding we received from The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).“
“In addition to the funding, the support from patrons who make a purchase not only enrichens their own art collection but also plays a vital role in promoting inclusivity and equity in the art world.
“The support helps break down barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive and representative artistic landscape. Together, we can foster a more diverse and vibrant art community that values and amplifies the voices of all artists.”
All members of the community are invited to join in celebrating the richness and diversity of First Nations art and culture through this inspiring exhibition and series of workshops.
For more information, follow Sonder Studio Gallery on social media or visit sondergallery.com
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Noosa Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. This event is proudly supported by Noosa Council.
