Arts and Cultural Funding Program Spotlight: YINAAR
Gomeroi Yinaar Tess Reading learning pyrography on possum skin as a creative expression inspired by traditional practice. Photo courtesy 2 Rivers.
Round 1 of the 21/22 Arts and Cultural Funding Program is open for applications – and what better way to encourage NSW artists, arts and cultural workers and organisations to apply for funding – than to showcase the diversity of funding recipients from previous years.
The Project
YINAAR is a creative exploration of Aboriginal women’s practice in the New England North West region through a series of workshops, residencies and exhibitions. The project is informed by traditional Songlines and storytelling of Aboriginal women’s practices, and engagement with local Aboriginal Elders, Knowledge Holders and Community.
Inspired by this exploration, regional Aboriginal women artists will create a new body of work – that reconnects, rebuilds and preserves their cultural identity in a contemporary context.
YINAAR is a collaboration between 2 Rivers, Arts North West and curators Kylie Benge and Raquel Clarke.
The Funding
2 Rivers Pty Ltd received $60,000 in Create NSW funding through the 20/21 Creative Koori Projects funding category to deliver YINAAR as part of its annual program.
Lorrayne Fishenden from 2 Rivers said, “Creative Koori has been vital to delivery of the second stage of the project – funding the residencies and exhibitions. It has enabled regional Aboriginal Yinaar artists to connect and collaborate on new contemporary works that celebrate traditional practices.
Through this stage of the project the artists have been supported by the curator and project team to research their own mobs’ traditional practices, and to explore identity at a much deeper level. We are seeing amazing outcomes.”
Creative Koori Projects funding is available to Aboriginal artists, arts and cultural workers, groups, and organisations. This funding aims to support a strong, resilient, and exciting Aboriginal arts and cultural sector for NSW. To find out more about Creative Koori Projects funding, visit: (insert link).
The Outcome
YINAAR will culminate in an Aboriginal-curated exhibition at two regional and two community galleries in the New England North West. This project supports Aboriginal cultural heritage, skills development and knowledge sharing – and provides an opportunity for Aboriginal artists to connect, engage and participate in a culturally-based project.
Applications for Round 1 Creative Koori Projects funding close Wednesday 18 August 2021. Find out more.