Beijing primary school to visit rare Indigenous art-forms from the Wik People of Aurukun

Primary school students from Beijing will gain a rare insight into a significant milestone in Australia’s history when they visit the Aurukun: Stories of the Wik People exhibition at Noosa Regional Gallery on 30 July.

Aurukun: Stories of the Wik People is a collaborative selection from two insightful Sunshine Coast collectors representing both historic and unique stories of the Wik people. This time capsule of artistic output represents a significant turning point towards reconciliation and recognition of the connection of Aboriginal people with their land.

Community Programs Portfolio Jenny McKay said six teachers and 14 students from a Beijing primary school will visit St Andrew’s Anglican College at Peregian Springs from 28 July until 8 August.

“I would like to thank our friends at St Andrew’s Anglican College for including a visit to Noosa Regional Gallery in their busy schedule,” she said.

“I look forward to welcoming our VIP visitors from abroad as the Sunshine Coast has close connections with Beijing and joining them on a personalised tour by our Gallery Curator.

“There are many educational links to be made with this exhibition and it really is a unique opportunity for school groups to book a free guided tour to see such a comprehensive collection of works from the remote community of Aurukun, northern Cape York until 25 August 2013.

“When schools book a tour, they are also able to purchase at a discounted price a stunning limited education resource kit which accompanies the Aurukun: Stories of the Wik People exhibition.”

The education resource includes activities that have been developed to enhance the History learning area within the new Australian Curriculum and includes:

• a DVD containing a compilation of historic interviews with the Aurukun artists a year after the famous Wik decision was passed in 1996. This is the first time that the interviews have been made available to the public.
• a comprehensive essay contributed by renowned author and curator of Indigenous Australian art: Wally Caruana
• a number of learning opportunities about Indigenous Australian history and the art and culture of the Wik people from Aurukun
• key learnings of culture, identity, materials, language, history, politics, sculpture and storytelling
• Complete, full-colour catalogue of the artworks from the collection and their stories as exhibited at Noosa Regional Gallery.

Schools are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment by calling Noosa Regional Gallery on 5449 5340. The Gallery is located at 8 Pelican Street, Tewantin and is open free to the public from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.