Reconciliation Action Plan

20 Inside the ‘Balance 1990: Views, Vision, Influences’ exhibition, QAG / Photograph: Ray Fulton Waanyi artist Gordon Hookey participates in a book reading during the tour of 'My Country, I Still Call Australia Home: Contemporary Art from Black Australia’, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki / Photograph: D St George Bruce Johnson McLean (former Curator, Indigenous Australian Art) with Jolene and Mandy Roughsey, granddaughters of the artist, during the exhibition ‘Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey: Stories of this Land’, QAG / Photograph: Joe Ruckli / Artwork © Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey/Copyright Agency, 2022 Major solo exhibitions have focused on Indigenous creative legacies, including those of artists Fiona Foley (Badtjala people, b.1964), Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori (Kaiadilt people, b.c.1924–2015) and Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey (Lardil people, 1920–85). ‘Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori: Dulka Warngiid – Land of All’ was also shared with audiences on tour to the National Gallery of Victoria in 2016–17. In 2019, the Gallery presented ‘Dyinala, Nganinya’, highlighting the unique sculptural practice of Indjalandji/Alyawarr artist Shirley Macnamara (b.1949) over the course of nearly two decades; and in 2020–21, celebrated ‘Show Me the Way to Go Home’ — the first survey exhibition of works by Kugu-Uwanh Elder Mavis Ngallametta (Putch clan, 1944–2019), whose large yet intricate paintings depict culturally and personally significant sites in north-western Queensland. Artist and Community Engagement Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities are involved in ongoing initiatives across QAGOMA, including programs for teachers and students, public events, performances, talks and workshops, regional touring exhibitions, the QAGOMA Store, and in the Restaurant, GOMA Bistro and QAG Cafe. Each year, the Gallery celebrates National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week with community events and staff celebrations. The QAGOMA Store website and social media channels also regularly profile the work of Indigenous Australian artists and makers, and feature an extensive range of publications on Indigenous arts and cultures. As well as providing enriching art experiences on site in Brisbane, QAGOMA is also embedded in cultural life throughout the state and serves the whole of Queensland. In concert with Queensland’s network of regional galleries and community centres, QAGOMA delivers exhibitions, talks, workshops and programs across the state. The Gallery has presented a number of travelling exhibitions showcasing works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, including ‘My Country, I Still Call Australia Home: Contemporary Art from Black Australia’ (2016–17); ‘Namatjira to Now’ (2009–11) and ‘Story Place: Indigenous Art of Cape York and the Rainforest’ (2004–05). Activities developed for the world-renowned Children’s Art Centre have also toured throughout the state, including ‘APT9 Kids on Tour’ (2019), which visited 111 venues across Queensland, including 16 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community centres. ‘Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey: Stories of this Land’ was the first comprehensive retrospective celebrating the life and work of Queensland artist and Lardil man Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey (1920–85). Realised in partnership with Cairns Art Gallery, this exhibition drew total attendance of 299 113 (32 292 Cairns Art Gallery; 266 821 QAGOMA). Screenshots from the QAGOMA Store Instagram account (@qagomastore) promoting items made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and makers Tote bag-signing with Kamilaroi/Kooma/Jiman/Gurang Gurang artist Richard Bell , hosted by the QAGOMA Store, GOMA / Photograph: Marc Pricop Vessels by the Hermannsburg Potters in Central Australia, available in the QAGOMA Store, QAG / Photograph: Mark Sherwood