Name: Gallery Kaiela



Biography:

Established in 2006, Kaiela Arts is an Aboriginal art centre located in Shepparton. We provide an important space for artists and the community to connect with art and culture. Our work drives important outcomes for both our artists and the broader Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community.  With a rich Indigenous heritage, the Kaiela Dungala (Goulburn Murray) region is home to many talented artists – Kaiela Arts represents more than 80 of those artists and helps to share and support their work. Artists receive training and mentoring at the centre, and the work of many artists has been exhibited around the State, in some cases winning prestigious awards.

We offer an accessible studio and social space for local artists to connect, create and share art. The centre is a welcoming environment for everyone to learn about Aboriginal cultural arts.  We provide training and professional development opportunities for member artists at all levels, including exhibitions and collaborations with artists and non-arts organisations outside the gallery.  We are active in promoting the South Eastern Australian Aboriginal linear art styles, which is traditional to the Aboriginal peoples of the Kaiela-Dungala region.  We provide employment and training for Aboriginal people both as staff and artists. There are many opportunities to connect with the wider community through events, exhibitions, projects and workshops.  Our Gallery and shop is a point of sale for the work of our artists, providing them with a channel to market their work, connect with their buyers and earn income. The gallery and shop provides locals and visitors with a place to acquire local Aboriginal art.  We educate the community about Aboriginal art and culture, through our in schools program – Galyan Manu, for students and teachers. We also offer workshops and cultural arts information sessions to the general public.  All artwork is produced locally by members of the Dungala Kaiela Aboriginal community and includes paintings, didgeridoos, woven baskets, woodwork, ceramics, clap sticks, boomerangs, jewellery, carved emu eggs and poker work and well as books, cards and textiles.

 


© the artist / art centre