Art exhibition 'Milynyin' by Wirrimanu Community artists opens

19/3/99
In Perth today, Arts Minister Peter Foss opened "Milynyin", an exhibition of works by artists of the Wirrimanu Community, Balgo Hills.
Balgo Hills is a remote community situated 300km south-east of Halls Creek, on the edge of the Tanami Desert in the Kimberley region.
The exhibition, at the Japingka Gallery in Fremantle, features works by leading artists including helicopter Tjungerai, Eubena Nampitjin, Elizabeth Nyumi, Bai Bai Napangarti and Ningie Nangala.
"Aboriginal arts and culture are fundamental to Western Australia's local, national and international identity," Mr Foss said.
"I often marvel at the range and reach these talented people have achieved in presenting their works and culture throughout the world.
"This exhibition coincides with the opening of the newly completed Art and Cultural Centre in the Balgo Hills community. The centre is situated on a significant site of the Luurnpa (Kingfisher) Dreaming, unique to the Balgo region, and is also called "Milynyin", after the ancient people called together by the Kingfisher and given a home in that country."
To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, senior women from the community performed a ceremonial dance rarely seen outside the Wirrimanu Community.
"The Government is proud to provide ongoing support for Aboriginal Arts," Mr Foss said.
"Over $300,000 direct funding was provided to individual projects last year along with significant contributions to special initiatives such as the Ngaanyatjarra Cultural and Civic Centre program in Warburton and funding for major Aboriginal arts organisations."
The exhibition will be open until April 26, 1999.
Media contact: Chris Morris 9321 2222
Gallery Director Ian Plunkett 0412 022 862