Biography:
Established in 2006, Kaiela Arts is one of two Aboriginal art centres in Victoria, located on Yorta Yorta country in Shepparton.
We are a unique space for Yorta Yorta (and other mobs) to connect with culture, Country, stories and history, through the arts.
Occupying the ground floor of the Shepparton Art Museum, we provide a working studio, materials and equipment for over fifty Aboriginal artist members to create work across ceramics, painting, weaving and screen-printing.
Our artists sell and present their work in our hybrid gallery retail space – also a place for the broader community to connect with and purchase local Aboriginal art and stories.
We facilitate cross-generational strategic initiatives, partnerships and community arts programs designed to strengthen our collective, build connection to Country, and deepen and expand creative practices, through collaboration and cultural immersion.
We support truth-telling and safeguarding of cultural practices, creating platforms to tell stories, express culture and create art in ways that advance self-determination, well-being and prosperity of First Peoples.
We are a strong contributor to Victoria’s cultural story and creative industries, supporting the reclamation and regeneration of south-east Australian Aboriginal art and cultural practices.
Our Vision
Country, Culture and People connect with art, stories and knowledge.
Our Purpose
Kaiela Arts is a place for First Peoples with connections to Yorta Yorta Country, to create art and share their stories, knowledge, practice and histories across generations.
Our Values
- Nurturing a generous, collaborative and inclusive community where arts and culture enable wellbeing and prosperity.
- Affirming and embedding our sovereign rights as First Peoples to honour our cultural practices and identities. Embracing self-determination and truth telling through individual and collective cultural expression.
- Healing and building trust through transformative connections, relationships and partnerships.
- Valuing arts to increase connection to mind and emotion, culture and community, family and kinship, spirituality and ancestors.
