Arts Northern Rivers respectfully acknowledges Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr and Githabul Country, the lands we work and create on. We appreciate the unique and vibrant array of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders artists and cultural practitioners from here and living here. We strive to strengthen self-determination, promote presence, and support cultural continuation.
Bundjalung and beyond are lands steeped in complex woven histories and identities. Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition shared the histories and identities of women who bring forth ancient weaving practices and knowledge systems.
Held over three regional galleries located on Bundjalung Country in the Northern Rivers region of NSW (Grafton, Lismore, Murwillumbah), this ground-breaking exhibition; Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition, presented new work by contemporary First Nations artists responding to their great grandmother’s artistry of weaving alongside historic ancestral woven objects from the Australian Museum collection.
“Proudly, like our ancestors we have adapted to the environmental changes, to the new ways, but with each step, each decade, each generation, the new leaders will remember the footprints of the old ways.” – Rhoda Roberts AO, 2023
This exhibition and the publication ‘Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali ...we weave together’ are appendage projects preserving the intricate weaving practices of Bundjalung women. Over the past four years, Arts Northern Rivers has conducted workshops where local weavers generously shared their knowledge and techniques with Aboriginal communities across the Bundjalung region. These workshops unified women and girls from Bundjalung and beyond, creating a culturally safe space to share culture and stories and connect through weaving. The exhibition and publication were a comprehensive compilation documenting women's journeys, capturing stories of revered Elders and weavers, historical materials, and traditional plant species and techniques. This project had deep support and desire from the community members (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous) to be realised. It was not just an exhibition for the community, it represented a returning of elders, of ancestral objects, and reclamation of cultural weaving for contemporary cultural expression.
“The earth is our greatest teacher, our knowledge holder and our divine authority.” – Aunty Lauren Jarrett, 2023
Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition was an extension of a long-form Aboriginal and community-led project in weaving reclamation on Bundjalung Country. New works from Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr and Kamilaroi (Gamilaroi) weavers were commissioned alongside 9 ancestral woven objects that featured in the exhibition.
Presented by Arts Northern Rivers and curated Kylie Caldwell. Elders and weavers included: Bindimu, Casino Wake Up Time, Janelle Duncan, Madeleine Grace, Lauren Jarrett, Tania Marlowe, Bianca Monaghan, Krystal Randall, Rhoda Roberts AO, Kyra Togo and Margaret Torrens.
“To collect and hold the sacred materials of countless generations somehow makes time shift, and reality shape change. Troubles fall away for an hour or a day while the reeds or vinesor feathers move in and out of the other strands, we see the underlying lessons that change is ever constant.” – Melissa Lucashenko, 2023
Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition opening, Grafton Regional Gallery, 2024. Credit Chloe Van Dorp, Simon Hughes.
Exhibition dates:
Grafton Regional Gallery: 21 Dec 2024 - 9 Feb 2025
Tweed Regional Gallery: 22 Feb 2025 - 27 April 2025
Lismore Regional Gallery: 13 Sep 2025 - 9 Nov 2025
The exhibition is now closed.
Cultural Program:
As part of the Bulaan Buruugaa NgaliExhibition, Regional Galleries hosted a series of workshops and events celebrating Bundjalung weaving traditions.
Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition presents new work by contemporary First Nations artists responding to their great grandmothers’ artistry of weaving alongside historic woven objects from the collection of the Australian Museum. The exhibition will launch Saturday 21 December 2024 at Grafton Regional Gallery.
Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition presents new work by contemporary First Nations artists responding to their great grandmothers’ artistry of weaving alongside historic woven objects from the collection of the Australian Museum. Presented by Arts Northern Rivers and curated Kylie Caldwell, the exhibition will travel on Bundjalung Country.
Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition presents new work by contemporary First Nations artists responding to their great grandmothers’ artistry of weaving alongside historic woven objects from the collection of the Australian Museum. Presented by Arts Northern Rivers and curated Kylie Caldwell, the exhibition will travel on Bundjalung Country.
Join Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali weavers and Delta Kay for a workshop that celebrates the long history, beauty and connective experience of weaving with natural fibres as well as local bushfoods. All materials included. Booking essential. Subsidised workshop places are available for First Nations people wishing to attend.
Join artist Kyra Togo for a special gathering bowl workshop for young people. Share stories and learn new skills inspired by the Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali exhibition. For ages 7 – 15 years. Parents and carers welcome to stay. All materials included. Cost $25 - bookings essential.
Drop in and create a woven wristband with Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali artist Kyra Togo. Family friendly activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All materials included. Free event, no bookings required.
Sit and learn with weavers from the incredible Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition, and create a weaving with natural fibres. This is a great opportunity to connect with women involved in this groundbreaking exhibition.
You are invited to join the Lismore Regional Gallery for an afternoon opening of Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition. Formalities start at 1.00pm, followed by a free weaving workshop from 2.00pm, guided by exhibition artists Rhoda Roberts AO, Aunty Janelle Duncan and Tania Marlowe. RSVP
Guided by Kylie Caldwell, exhibition curator of Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition, this monthly weaving workshop is open to Aboriginal artists and Aboriginal community members to learn, share, create, and collaborate. It is free, all materials are provided, and no registration is required. Come along, grab a cuppa, have a yarn, and create!
Curator & Artist's Tour | Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition
Join curator of Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition Kylie Caldwell, and artists and weavers from the exhibition, Bindimu and Krystal Randall, to hear insights about the exhibition, history of First Nations weaving in our region, and insights into the artists' work on show.
Official Opening and Curator's Floortalk - Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition
Join Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre for the opening celebrations of Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition, followed by a Curator’s Floortalk with Kylie Caldwell. Saturday 22 February 2025, 2 - 5 pm. Free entrance, booking essential.
Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition presents new work by contemporary First Nations artists responding to their great grandmothers’ artistry of weaving alongside historic woven objects from the collection of the Australian Museum. The exhibition will launch Saturday 21 December 2024 at Grafton Regional Gallery.
Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition presents new work by contemporary First Nations artists responding to their great grandmothers’ artistry of weaving alongside historic woven objects from the collection of the Australian Museum. Presented by Arts Northern Rivers and curated Kylie Caldwell, the exhibition will travel on Bundjalung Country.
Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition presents new work by contemporary First Nations artists responding to their great grandmothers’ artistry of weaving alongside historic woven objects from the collection of the Australian Museum. Presented by Arts Northern Rivers and curated Kylie Caldwell, the exhibition will travel on Bundjalung Country.
Join Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali weavers and Delta Kay for a workshop that celebrates the long history, beauty and connective experience of weaving with natural fibres as well as local bushfoods. All materials included. Booking essential. Subsidised workshop places are available for First Nations people wishing to attend.
Join artist Kyra Togo for a special gathering bowl workshop for young people. Share stories and learn new skills inspired by the Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali exhibition. For ages 7 – 15 years. Parents and carers welcome to stay. All materials included. Cost $25 - bookings essential.
Drop in and create a woven wristband with Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali artist Kyra Togo. Family friendly activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All materials included. Free event, no bookings required.
Sit and learn with weavers from the incredible Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition, and create a weaving with natural fibres. This is a great opportunity to connect with women involved in this groundbreaking exhibition.
You are invited to join the Lismore Regional Gallery for an afternoon opening of Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition. Formalities start at 1.00pm, followed by a free weaving workshop from 2.00pm, guided by exhibition artists Rhoda Roberts AO, Aunty Janelle Duncan and Tania Marlowe. RSVP
Guided by Kylie Caldwell, exhibition curator of Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition, this monthly weaving workshop is open to Aboriginal artists and Aboriginal community members to learn, share, create, and collaborate. It is free, all materials are provided, and no registration is required. Come along, grab a cuppa, have a yarn, and create!
Curator & Artist's Tour | Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition
Join curator of Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition Kylie Caldwell, and artists and weavers from the exhibition, Bindimu and Krystal Randall, to hear insights about the exhibition, history of First Nations weaving in our region, and insights into the artists' work on show.
Official Opening and Curator's Floortalk - Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition
Join Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre for the opening celebrations of Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition, followed by a Curator’s Floortalk with Kylie Caldwell. Saturday 22 February 2025, 2 - 5 pm. Free entrance, booking essential.
Arts Northern Rivers respectfully acknowledges Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr and Githabul Country, the lands we work and create on. We appreciate the unique and vibrant array of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders artists and cultural practitioners from here and living here. We strive to strengthen self-determination, promote presence, and support cultural continuation.
Arts Northern Rivers respectfully acknowledges Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr and Githabul Country, the lands we work and create on. We appreciate the unique and vibrant array of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders artists and cultural practitioners from here and living here. We strive to strengthen self-determination, promote presence, and support cultural continuation.
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