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First Nations Set To ‘Heal Country’ Through Art
Artists throughout the region are abuzz with the launch of Southern Queensland Landscapes Inaugural First Nations Art Competition.
SQ Landscapes First Nations Committee Chair, Chris Joseph said the competition was launched during NAIDOC Week and aims to give artists from Toowoomba west to Thargomindah, north to Taroom and south to the NSW border an opportunity to showcase their amazing talent.
“We have some incredible artists in this area and thanks to an anonymous donation made to the organisation specifically for a First Nations Art Competition, SQ Landscapes is honoured to work with the 28 Nations in this region to develop these artists skills and provide opportunities to not only showcase their work, but meet other artists and learn from already established artists like Uncle Colin Jones,” Chris Joseph said.
“Uncle Colin, who has exhibited his incredible works in galleries throughout Europe, America and Australia, will be offering feedback and guidance in his role as judge of the competition, together with established portrait painter and Owner of Toowoomba’s Murray’s Art & Framing, Sue McMaster,” Mr Joseph said.
“The theme of the competition is ‘Heal Country’ in line with this year’s NAIDOC theme and for Southern Queensland Landscapes this dovetails beautifully into our mission as a community owned organisation to work with communities to create ‘flourishing landscapes’,” he said.
“Country is inherent to our identity. It sustains our lives in every aspect – spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and culturally. It is more than a place. When we talk about Country it is spoken of like a person. Country is family, kin, law, lore, ceremony, traditions and language. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it has been this way since the dawn of time” – The National NAIDOC Committee (NNC)
There’s more than $8,000 in prizes to be won through the First Nations Art Competition and entrants from 15 years of age could be eligible to enter*.
“There’s three categories for the competition being 15-17 years, 18-24 years and 25 years plus; and from these three categories a Grand Prize winner will be announced,” Chris Joseph said.
“Entrants must also identify as First Nations people from one or more of the 28 Nations in the Southern Queensland Landscapes area and a full list of all 28 Nations are available on our website and in the Competition Guidelines,” Mr Joseph said.
“Winners will be chosen based on their creativity, story-telling ability, skill and adherence to the theme ‘Heal Country’,” he said.
All entries will be on display during NAIDOC Week 2022 with winners announced during NAIDOC Week festivities.
For full competition details and information on how to enter visit https://www.sqlandscapes.org.au/first-nations-art-competition
*Full Terms & Conditions apply.
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Southern Queensland Landscapes is seeking an experienced and influential Board Chair to lead a multi-skilled Board in managing natural resources across Southern Queensland. This is a 3-year remunerated role based in Toowoomba, QLD, with the flexibility to manage from anywhere in Southern QLD. The ideal candidate will bring: • Substantial experience leading diverse Boards • Strong relationship-building and leadership skills • Expertise in environmental and agricultural matters This role is an opportunity to shape the future of natural resource management, working closely with land managers, community leaders, and industry professionals. Are you ready to make an enduring impact? For more details and to apply, visit www.windsor-group.com.au/job/board-chair-natural-resources-peak-body or contact Mike Conroy at apply@windsor-group.com.au.
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