Desart Aboriginal Artworker Program – 7 Mile Conference
Artworkers came together for the first time at a conference for Aboriginal people who work in Central Australian Art Centres. The atmosphere was lively as people arrived at ‘7-Mile’ near Alice Springs from Tennant Creek, Ali Curung, Titjikala, Papunya, Yuendemu, Tjukurla, Warakurna and Mutitjulu.
The conference began with an opening address by Rhonda Plummer, former Desart Executive Member, who is now working with the NT Education Department. Rhonda spoke about overcoming fears and learning to speak up. This was followed by one of many discussions about facing the many challenges that Artworkers experience in their work.
During the next two days the workshops focussed on two main themes, starting with ‘Working Safely’. Each Artworker detailed their Art Centre building design, locating the exits and fire extinguishers, and talking about emergency procedures and evacuation plans. The afternoon session was about vehicle safety and was followed by an enjoyable evening at the Yarrenyty Arltere film night.
Customers were the focus of the next day, which began with a visit to Ngurratjuta Iltja Ntjarra Art Centre and Araluen Galleries. Workshops explored ‘common questions customers ask’, and ‘talking about customers’ and how the artworkers feel about people who come to Art Centres asking questions and taking photos. With some fun games and plenty of encouragement the Artsworkers practised speaking up.
During the week there were opportunities for the Artworkers to join in sessions which included using equipment for manual credit sales and using the AMS database. Patrick Poulson from Papunya demonstrated his method of canvas stretching.
A highlight of the conference was an excursion on the last day, which began with a photography workshop. Each Artworker received a disposable camera, and in the role of tourists the group travelled to Santa Teresa to visit Keringke Arts while practicing taking photos. Deanne Williams and Rosina Ryder were hosts for the day, talking about their Art Centre and stories about their community.
It was a great week of learning, networking and forming new friendships. Artworkers, Desart staff and helpers celebrated with a farewell barbeque before the Artworkers returned home full of ideas and enthusiasm. We all look forward to the next Artsworker Conference and some regional activities in 2009.
Rose Graham, from Nyinkka Nyunyu Cultural Centre summed up the conference experience:
“It was good…the whole week that we were there. The first conference we had – and it was good to meet other workers from other places… like Papunya, Tjukurla.
When we first got there they were very shy, then they started getting used to each other. We were like one big group, learning from each other. We were all talking and having dinner together.
Us mob were all giving each other feedback and ideas – what we had in our Art Centres.
For smaller Art Centres to listen was good, because they were from communities and us from a little town, Tennant Creek.