Yiwarra Kuju: The Canning Stock Route

30 July 2010 to 26 January 2011

This groundbreaking exhibition reveals the richness of desert life today. It tells the story of the Canning Stock Route's impact on Aboriginal people, and the importance of the Country that surrounds it, through the works of senior and emerging artists and the stories of traditional custodians. It is a story of contact, conflict and survival, of exodus and return, seen through Aboriginal eyes, and interpreted through their voices, art and new media.

> View more about the exhibition

An inspiring festival of art, culture, film and music to celebrate the opening of this groundbreaking exhibition.

Meet artists from the nine partner art centres across the Western Desert: Birriliburu Artists, Martumili Artists, Kayili Artists, Papunya Tula Artists, Mangkaja Arts, Paruku Indigenous Protected Area, Warlayirti Artists, Yulparija Artists and Ngurra Artists. These artists will sing their art to life, dance and share their stories.

As part of the festival, a series of short films will be screened that capture the essence of the Western Desert region, telling stories about the people, communities, creativity and relationships to Country, as well as highlighting the dynamic emerging film industry in remote and regional Western Australia.

Free
11am – 3pm
Saturday 31 July
The Hall

Film Screening
11.30am – 1.30pm
Visions Theatre

Learn how industry, gallery and museum curators choose Indigenous Australian works for public programs and exhibitions. Be inspired by the Yiwarra Kuju exhibition, with insights provided by the project team. Presented with the ANU Institute for Professional Practice in Heritage and the Arts.

Free
Bookings essential. Telephone (02) 6208 5021 or email bookings@nma.gov.au.
9.30am – 4.30pm
Monday 2 August
Bunyip/Biami Rooms

Meet the creators of the impressive 8-metre multimedia display in the Yiwarra Kuju exhibition. See behind the scenes, discuss the interpretation and debate whether multimedia is the way of the future for museums. Supported by Museums Australia (ACT Branch).

Free
Bookings essential. Telephone (02) 6208 5021 or email bookings@nma.gov.au.
2.30–5pm
Thursday 26 August
Meet at the Information Desk

> View more information about the Canning Stock Route project on FORM's website.