Through the Lens

There is an emerging voice in indigenous visual art. It has long been dominated by the traditional form - paint on canvas - but an increasing number of indigenous artists are picking up cameras and making their mark with photography.

Supporting the Sector

In 2007 Arts Victoria acknowledged this trend and kicked off a series of initiatives designed to recognise the existing talent in the sector and to support its growth. That year, a photography category was introduced to the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards with Bindi Cole receiving the inaugural award for Do you like what you see.

The following year, Cole and photographers Wayne Quilliam, Steven Rhall and Simon Rose received funding through the Indigenous Travel and Professional Development Fund to attend the Photography: New Histories, New Practices conference in Canberra. There, they were introduced to a host of photography curators and academics, which resulted in Cole and Quilliam being invited to exhibit in Japan in 2009.

Meanwhile, Arts Victoria had approached the Centre for Contemporary Photography (CCP) to develop a series of workshops designed specifically for the indigenous sector. Delivered by photo artist and educator Les Walking, the eight part series was held from July to September 2008.

The success of these early initiatives led Arts Victoria to plan a more ambitious program for 2009. Working again with the CCP, Arts Victoria funded the first ever National Indigenous Photography Forum, which was held in October.

Designed to create a strong focal point for the indigenous photography sector, the forum brought together renowned Indigenous artists, curators, key industry specialists and educators from across Australia share their personal experience and contemporary practice with over 50 delegates.

Naomi Cass, Director of the CCP and manager of the National Indigenous Photography Forum, said the inaugural event was a resounding success.

"We were delighted and surprised by the high attendance over three days and by the breadth of attendance from across Australia, from remote communities through to regional centres and capital cities," she said.

"The excitement and generosity of participants was palpable. This is the beginning of a robust dialogue between indigenous photographers from across Australia."

Visit the Indigenous Travel and Professional Development Fund page to find out more about the raft of opportunities that are supported throughout the year. 

Question time at the National Indigenous Photography Forum

Photo courtesy of CCP