Presentation Topic: Gallery issues & Public art practices

ABSTRACT:

What is known as public art in modern-day society has been an integral part of Aboriginal culture and heritage for thousands of years. Essentially, our art is intertwined with our heritage and culture. Bot are inextricably lined. This presentation will critically discuss and evaluate the public art process in Queensland, and the attempts by the State Government to usurp the role of Traditional Owners in an area that we have had responsibility and jurisdiction in for thousands of years. Specific examples of some Turrbal public art will be used as an illustration.

BIONOTE:

Maroochy Barambah is the Songwoman & Law-woman of the Turrbal people - the Traditional Owners and the registered native title claimant of Brisbane. Maroochy is responsible for the protection, presentation and promotion of the Turrbal cultural heritage within its ancestral homeland. She is a performing artist of international acclaim, with over three decades of artistic accomplishments and several awards to her credit.

Vanessa Fisher is a Garumgah / Dungibara woman from the South East Queensland with over three decades of visual arts experience. She has been at the forefront of public arts in Queensland. Vanessa's work was recently featured on the front cover of the book "Waking Up to the Dreamtime".