Image of Alinta Barlow by Courtney Lees
Ngunnawal artist, Alinta Barlow has been selected to participate in the Canberra Pōneke Indigenous Artist Exchange programme, from 31 October to 30 November at Te Whare Hēra. This exchange is a partnership between Wellington City Council, artsACT in Canberra and Massey University.
Launched in 2019 as an outcome of the Canberra Wellington Sister City Agreement the programme was initiated to strengthen cultural connections between the two cities.
Alinta is an early-career artist and educator working across music and visual arts. As a member of the Winanggaay Ngunnawal Language Group, based in Canberra Australia, she is known for her work reviving Ngunnawal language through creative expression.
Alinta facilitates a First Nations Women's choir called Wamburang, the Ngunnawal word for the Black Cockatoo. Since 2019 she has been helping to learn and revive the Ngunnawal language along with many other Ngunnawal community members. This work has driven Alinta to extend her practice from music into the visual arts to explore other ways of expressing and representing culture.
Alinta will use this time in Te Whanganui-a-Tara to connect with Māori artists and curators and expand her networks and knowledge of indigenous arts practice. Alinta will give a talk/workshop about her practice and experiences during this residency.
Toi Manu Tautoko, Supporting the Arts to Fly –
The Canberra Pōneke Indigenous Artist Exchange Programme
Jamie Berry
As part of the exchange programme, local Pōneke multidisciplinary artist, Jamie Berry (Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi, and Ngāti Ruanui) was selected to go to Canberra for four weeks. While there, Jamie will connect with First Nations artists and explore the aboriginal concept of Dreamtime. On return Jamie will give a talk about her time while resident. Please watch this space for more information.
