Overview
From images painted in ochre on rock walls over 20,000 years ago, to modern day acrylic on canvas and striking works of sculpture, the art of Australia’s Indigenous peoples remains powerfully expressive of cultural identity and autochthonal stories. In 2022, we are providing an opportunity to delve deeper into modern-day expression of this creative heritage with lecturer and specialist in Australian Indigenous art, Dr Sally Butler.
The Fourth National Indigenous Art Triennial at the National Gallery of Australia is called ‘Ceremony’ and explores how the practice of ceremony lies at the nexus of country, culture and community. The only major national survey exhibition of its kind, the Triennial is also a rich celebration of diverse art styles, media and practises from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists working today.
Through the work of 35 artists from across Australia, ‘Ceremony’ bears vivid testament to the survival of First Nations culture over thousands of years and also to its more recent flourishing, the result of its ‘capacity for innovation and adaptability’, in the words of lead curator, Hetti Perkins, especially evident in the last couple of centuries.
These three days in Canberra will provide context and thought-provoking insight into political, social and cultural issues of First Nations peoples. We will see other Indigenous art collections and a rich variety of artistic media.
Talks by curators are being arranged but are subject to confirmation at the time of launch.
Day 1
The coach leaves the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra at 2.45pm. Visit the National Museum of Australia to view their Indigenous collection, including a talk on the exhibition Talking Blak to History. Evening lecture in the hotel followed by dinner.
Day 2
Start with a visit to Parliament House to view the forecourt mosaic, Kumantye Jagamara’s Possum and Wallaby Dreaming, followed by a tour of Indigenous artworks inside. The rest of the day is spent at the National Gallery of Australia and The National Indigenous Art Triennial, ‘Ceremony’. Time also to visit the permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander galleries.
Day 3
Visit one of Canberra’s other art collections, depending on exhibition programmes, or the Australian War Memorial. The tour finishes at the hotel at lunchtime.
Price, per person
Two sharing: $2,370. Single occupancy: $2,720.
Included
Hotel accommodation as described below; breakfasts; 2 dinners with wine, water, coffee; some travel by private coach or taxi; all admissions; all tips; all taxes; the services of the lecturer and tour manager. Travel to Canberra is not included in the price.
Accommodation
Hyatt Hotel, Canberra: a 5-star Heritage-listed hotel, built in the 1920s, offering comfortable modern amenities with Art Deco design. Single rooms are doubles or twins for sole use. Extra nights before or after the tour on request.
How strenuous?
There is quite a lot of walking and standing around in galleries on this tour. A good level of fitness is necessary. It should not be attempted by anyone who has difficulty with everyday walking and stair-climbing.
Are you fit enough to join the tour?
Group size
Between 10 and 22 participants.
Travel advice
Before booking, please refer to the FCDO website to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting.
