A new Community Gallery in Byron Bay officially opened during NAIDOC Week with an inaugural exhibition of almost 50 stunning works by Indigenous artists. The gallery recognises art as a driver of positive social change and supports local artists by offering free exhibition space. Exhibitions will change quarterly, and the gallery is open to visitors on weekdays.
The Community Gallery at Byron CoLab on Arakwal Country launched during NAIDOC Week, showcasing a breathtaking collection of almost 50 works by Indigenous artists.
Community members met local Arakwal artists and shared in the storytelling magic of colour, texture and design as centuries of Aboriginal culture were expressed in the beautiful pieces adorning walls throughout the centre.
Byron CoLab Centre Manager, Mikaela Hicks, aims to increase visibility for the burgeoning number of local artists who vie for limited space to exhibit their work in the Byron Bay region.
“Art is a driver of social change. We take no commission; that is part of the social impact vision for the Community Gallery, to support the economic and social value of artistic works, and to see the creators thrive.”
Visitors snapped up works for sale, while other pieces, generously on loan from Arakwal artists and private collectors, hung alongside those from Bundjalung and Yaegl Nations, some from as far afield as the Northern Territory.
Proud Arakwal Bundjalung woman Nickolla Clark is an interdisciplinary artist based in Byron Bay. Nickolla and her sister Kaitlyn Clark, also a fellow artist, celebrated NAIDOC Week at the exhibition launch alongside their mum Theresa and honoured the memory of the generations that came before them.
“A lot of history and knowledge has been grounded in the way we live and associate ourselves on Country. A lot of that story, a lot of that language is being revitalised, and art is a powerful way of sharing that with the community and the next generation,” said Nickolla, who advocates for sharing and expression of cultural knowledge.
“This year’s NAIDOC Week is special, much like every year NAIDOC talks to important issues or aspects of Aboriginal culture, but to have this year’s theme be about strength, vision, and legacy is really important to me, to my sister and my family.
“We get to stand here and do this together thanks to the strong legacy of Arakwal matriarchs that came before us, much like my nan and her sisters. This theme allows us to explore having a voice and having a say, and one way to do that is through art.”
Hosted by Social Futures, the gallery initiative fosters community engagement, strengthens partnerships, and provides an opportunity for a diverse range of artists to showcase their work, with rotating exhibitions changing quarterly.
Byron CoLab on Arakwal Country welcomes visitors 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday via reception at the main entrance on Wordsworth Street.
To learn more, visit socialfutures.org.au/byroncolab , email [email protected] or call 0407 787 595.
