Regional Arts WA will be joining Aboriginal art centres and arts workers from across the state for Our Business on Miriwoong Country in Kununurra. Our Business is Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub Western Australia’s (AACHWA) annual forum, presented in partnership this year with Waringarri Aboriginal Arts.

Our Business is the key gathering point for people working in and around Aboriginal art centres each year. It brings together art centre managers, staff and board members, along with arts and cultural workers and industry partners, for four days of professional development, peer learning, hands-on workshops and networking, with plenty of chances to celebrate the work of art centres and the artists behind them.

This year’s program, running from Monday 21st to Thursday 24th September, covers a broad sweep of topics alongside cultural tours, creative activities, a sunset dance and feast, and a fashion parade.

Our Business also brings a range of funding bodies and service providers into the room, including Indigenous Art Code, Copyright Agency, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, and, of course, us at RAWA, giving art centre representatives the chance to talk one-on-one about opportunities and support.

About AACHWA

AACHWA began life as a Country Arts WA (RAWA’s former name) project back in 2011, officially launching during the widely recognised Revealed exhibition. Since 2015, AACHWA has operated as an independent, not-for-profit and fully Aboriginal-governed peak body, representing Aboriginal art centres collectively across the state.

RAWA on the ground

Representing RAWA at the forum will be our First Nations Officer Janine Oxenham and Investment Coordinator Carla Steele. Both will be presenting as part of the program and will be available for informal conversations about funding opportunities, including how art centres and artists can connect with RAWA’s investment programs.

Catch our Regional Arts WA presentation on Tuesday 22nd September at 11:00 am.

Janine will also share more about RAWA’s Social Fabric project and is keen to hear from art centres and artists interested in getting involved.

If you’re attending Our Business and would like to arrange a time to chat, keep an eye out for Carla and Janine across the forum, or get in touch with us ahead of time.

More details

Featured image: Yamaji Arts Centre artwork. Photo by Raquel Aranda.