A State-wide search has been launched today to identify 53 everyday West Australians born in each of the Commonwealth countries attending the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) as part of an ambitious art project to coincide with the October event.
Premier Colin Barnett announced that Nomad Two Worlds, founded by the Perth-born and internationally renowned photographer Russell James, has been engaged by the State Government to take 53 portrait photographs of the chosen participants. The portrait photographs will feature in a public art exhibition showcasing the immense cultural diversity within Western Australia.
"The exhibition will include a quote from each person about what they love, or miss, most about the country of their birth, and a short factual piece about their country," Mr Barnett said.
"In keeping with Nomad Two Worlds' artistic style, indigenous artists from across WA will add intricate and beautiful design work to the portrait photographs. This will showcase a variety of indigenous art styles and create a unique, contemporary portrait collection."
A public installation of the portrait photographs, including information about each country, will be installed in the city during the lead-up to CHOGM in October.
"This exciting collaborative art project will enable the community to learn more about the Commonwealth and also appreciate the amazing diversity of artistic talent amongst our indigenous communities. This opportunity is also intended to showcase Australia's rich and diverse multi-cultural society, and help to create positive and constructive connections between our local, migrant and indigenous communities."
The Premier said that with less than six months to go until the start of CHOGM, time was tight to identify willing participants from each country. A casting call is currently under way with the first portraits being taken during the week beginning May 15.
"Following our call for CHOGM 2011 volunteers last week, this is yet another example of how West Australians can get involved in and celebrate this important event," he said.
"Up to 500 people are needed as volunteers to help Perth play host to more than 4,000 CHOGM 2011 visitors, including presidents and prime ministers, their foreign ministers, key business people, journalists and community and youth leaders.
"This art project is another exciting opportunity for a select group of the Western Australian community to participate in what will be the biggest event to be held in the State for almost 50 years."
A number of artistic, cultural and sporting events will be held in conjunction with CHOGM, including:
· an eight-day $2.45million arts and culture festival from October 23 to 30, focusing on impressive, free family activities for the Western Australian community and delegates
· four days of activity and entertainment in the Perth Cultural Centre from October 26 to 29 - to be known as the 'People's Space' during CHOGM 2011
· an International Super Series hockey tournament in an exciting new format involving male and female teams from Australia, India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Malaysia from October 20 to 23
· two international netball matches, featuring four of the top seven teams in the world - South Africa v Malawi followed by Australia v New Zealand on October 23.
Anyone, who was born in one of the 53 Commonwealth countries, interested in participating in the Nomad Two Worlds exhibition project should go to
http://www.facebook.com/NomadTwoWorlds or email casting@nomadtwoworlds.com for further information or phone 9228 9858.
To find out which countries are involved in the project, go to
http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Internal/191086/142227/members/
Premier's office - 9222 9475
