Western Region Arts and Culture on display through Standing Stories
The Outback Arts region gains another valuable cultural asset today as the Standing Stories Sculpture Walk in Bourke is opened to the public through the release of the brochure for the self-guided tour.
Outback Arts Executive Officer, Jamie-Lea Trindall says it’s an important cultural asset for the region, and a great addition to the ongoing ‘Living Arts and Culture’ project.
“These sculptures are such a wonderful addition to the cultural narrative of Bourke, and of the whole region. They are modern, contemporary works, made using the most current techniques, but telling the stories of the oldest living culture on the planet.”
The project, which has seen 8 sculptures installed at the Back of Bourke Exhibition Centre (in Bourke) has been over 5 years in development. Facilitated by the Bourke Shire Council with funding provided by the NSW Government, the concept gained momentum after an initial concept was supported by the regional arts body, Outback Arts.
“Outback Arts were on board with this project since its inception back in 2016. Through a small grant we were able to provide support to develop the idea into a full proposal, which is what led to the funding commitment and the development of the project.” Says Jamie-Lea. “This sort of project makes a wonderful addition to the suite of projects celebrating Aboriginal art in the region though the ‘Living Arts and Culture’ project.”
Each of the sculptures represents a different story, and a different aspect of Aboriginal culture and story-telling. Members of the Bourke community contributed their stories to the project, and worked with a local artist to conceptualise those stories into three-dimensional forms.
“I don’t know of many projects quite like this one. The stories that have been told are both ancient and contemporary. They talk about life in the community, about spiritual belief, myths, totems and world views. It’s an amazing approach to engaging with Aboriginal culture.”
With the release of the 12-page brochure today, visitors to Bourke can follow the self-guided tour of the works, read the stories, and through QR codes, access films of the storytellers talking about the work.
“The multi-media approach the project maximises the opportunity for people to engage, and understand the works. They can be enjoyed and interpreted as art works in their own right, or people can dig deeper if they want to learn more about Aboriginal culture” says Jamie-Lea.
