Self-portrait, 1999. Tracey Moffatt.
The Australia Council will expand on existing First Nations networking opportunities at the 2017 Venice Biennale with the First Nations Curator Exchange Program.
On Tuesday 9 May, a delegation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander curators, from emerging to highly experienced, will arrive at the 57th International Venice Biennale. There they will have the opportunity to participate in the Australia Council’s Champions Program and engage with First Nations curators from other countries, supported by the Australia Council.
‘The program is designed to build upon relationships already established through other capacity building initiatives Australia Council has done, such as our First Nations Curator Delegation to APT8 last year, ’ said Tamara Harrison, Director of International Projects, Australia Council.
The Australia Council works with Creative New Zealand and the Canada Council for the Arts to facilitate a tri-nations exchange partnership for First Nations artists and arts workers. At APT8 First Nations curators from the three countries came together to share knowledge, cultural practice and networks. The second stage of this exchange will take place in New Zealand this year.
‘Our Venice program is designed to further develop those relationships and encourage peer to peer and inter-generational learning between our established and emerging curators, within the context of an international arts experience.’
The objective of the First Nations Curators’ Exchange program is to increase important networks and collaborations and enhance the engagement between international market development and First Nations artists and arts workers.
The program also provides a mentorship opportunity for emerging First Nations curators. While in Venice, the senior and mid-career curators will mentor the four emerging curators who participate in the Personal Development Program.
‘We are very excited to be providing a platform for Indigenous curators to engage in an international arts market and experience. The Venice Biennale is one of the world’s most high profile arts events and to be able to support a meaningful engagement around this for First Nation colleagues is a unique opportunity,’ said Harrison.
The opportunity coincides with Tracey Moffatt’s exhibition as the first solo Indigenous artist to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale, setting a strong foundation for a deep First Nations focus throughout the Venice project that will profile Australian contemporary visual art to an international audience.
The new Australia Pavilion; Image credit: John Gollings.
‘Our First Nation curators will be able to see Tracey’s work in the context of the new Australian Pavilion, and experience art from around the world by visiting the Arsenale and Giardini exhibitions ahead of the general public. They will participate in events run by the Australia Council for our Venice supporters, and will also have a focussed two day exchange with other First Nations curators from Canada and New Zealand,’ said Harrison.
‘I’m looking forward to listening to the perspectives of our First Nation colleagues in an environment where we will be surrounded by so many different international art perspectives.’
