Latest news with #HealingStories
Perth Now
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Striking art exhibit by First Nations women on show in Perth
Ernie Dingo, Josie Janz-Dawson & Tim Ward. Picture: John Koh / The West Australian Artists, business and community leaders gathered at Central Park to mark NAIDOC Week and launch Wangening Bardip (Healing Stories) - a powerful First Nations art exhibition presented by the Waalitj Foundation. The exhibition features striking works by emerging artists from Waalit'sj Deadly Sista Girlz program - which supports improved school attendance and educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls - alongside First Nations artists including Carol Martin, Jacinta Anderson, Sara Riches and Erika Fernandez. Guests reflected on this year's NAIDOC Week theme of empowering strength, vision and legacy in the next generation, while connecting with stories of resilience, identity and culture. The exhibition is open daily until July 11 (inclusive), with artworks available for purchase. 100 per cent of proceeds go directly to the artists.
Perth Now
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Central Park to host NAIDOC art exhibition
The lobby at Perth's Central Park will transform into a cultural space this NAIDOC Week for a second year when Wangening Bardip (Healing Stories) hits St Georges Terrace. The free event focuses on this year's NAIDOC week theme to empower 'strength, vision and legacy in the next generation', with the Waalitj Foundation's Deadly Sista Girlz set to steal the show. Their artworks will be featured alongside established First Nations artists including Carol Martin, Jacinta Anderson, Sara Riches and former Deadly Sista Girlz program participant Erika Fernandez. More than 30 artworks were submitted from the Deadly Sista Girlz program, with 12 selected to feature in this year's exhibition. Since its inception in 2007, The Deadly Sista Girlz program has helped more than 6000 young First Nations women by nurturing leadership, resilience and community connection with a focus on vital topics such as women's health, drug and alcohol awareness, road safety, financial literacy and healthy relationship. Fernandez said the work from the Deadly Sista Girlz program brought a meaningful new dimension. 'It means a lot to see the next generation of young Aboriginal women given this kind of platform right in the centre of the city, where their stories can be seen and heard,' she said. 'It's not just about the art — it's about showing these girls that their voices belong in spaces like this.' HIF Representative Hannah Swainston, Erika Fernandez, Jaime Silva and Imogen Buckley. Credit: Supplied All artwork is on sale, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going directly to the artists. More than 20 artworks at last year's exhibition were sold, generating more than $70,000 for the First Nations artists, and organisers hope this year's event will build on that success. Waalijt Foundation business coach Jaime Silva said the exhibition was a continuation of its commitment to healing through art. 'It showcases resilience, cultural pride, and the transformative power of creativity,' he said. Visitors will be invited to vote for their favourite Deadly Sista Girlz artwork through a QR code, with the winner to be announced after the exhibition. The event will run from July 4 to 11.
