Nganampa presentation march 2015

Nganampa Anwernekenhe: The proposal for a National Indigenous Art & Culture Centre

More than a static culture centre or museum. A living space where people come together and learn; a place for cultural collaboration and for sharing and respecting knowledge. A celebration of our Indigenous history and centre of hope for the future. Community driven with Indigenous governance. A story that must be told in Alice Springs.

The National Indigenous Art & Culture Centre

The aims of the National Indigenous Art & Culture Centre include:

A centre driven by the community, with a hub and spoke model, connecting existing culture centres across the nation. A space that looks at the past and heritage in such a way that gives tools to interpret the future. A celebration of the contribution of Indigenous culture and people to the nation. A nation building centre that rids Australia of its cultural cringe and reinforces the importance of Indigenous culture in the national psyche. A forward looking institution that contributes to a more united future for all Australians.

Aims

Cultural Cringe: ‘an unthinking respect for anything foreign which precludes respect for anything that might be found at home.’ Harry Payne Heseltine (former Editor and Academic) from his Introduction to The Australian tradition : studies in a colonial culture by A.A. Philips.

Australians have ‘an inherent lack of faith in their own culture.’ Rollo Hesketh (Teacher and PhD Candidate) from his publication A.A. Phillips and the ‘Cultural Cringe’ : Creating an ‘Australian Tradition’.

By understanding and respecting our Indigenous culture, we can move beyond cultural cringe and form a shared national identity.

Why does Australia need a national Indigenous art & culture centre?

To continue to prosper as a nation it is necessary to understand and respect the contribution

of Indigenous culture.

Many aspects of Australian life are influenced by Indigenous culture. For example: AFL is based on Indigenous games; Indigenous art and music, and even the way that we understand colour and light. To move forward as a nation, we need to understand and respect the impact of Indigenous culture.

Significance of Indigenous culture

There are several Australian Indigenous cultural centres;

We admire and respect their work, however we strive to represent the national story.

We seek to link these existing centres together and a provide a national platform for promotion and exhibition.

There are Indigenous sections of museums and art galleries across the nation;

We admire and respect them, but we strive to be much more than a museum or an art gallery.

Other Australian cultural centres

Why Alice Springs?

- Only two and a half hours from most major cities

- Highly significant in the Indigenous body of knowledge

- Proximity to many Indigenous communities

The physical, spiritual and emotional heart of the nation

Existing arts and culture scene

Birthplace of Indigenous community media

Experience in national celebration of Indigenous culture, such as the Yeperenye festival

Existing Infrastructure

Daily Direct Flights

Aboriginal language and culture are at risk. We want to ensure language and culture are preserved as appropriate

There is a strong focus on northern development at the present time. Northern Australia has the largest percentage of Indigenous people in the country; the centre will be an important site of cultural exchange

Post apology, post rejection of racism, and in light of the debate for constitutional recognition, we need to be doing more to celebrate Indigenous contribution

To unify Indigenous communities in a time of uncertainty regarding homelands and provide ongoing support for health and general wellbeing.

Why now?

Native American cultural centres such as in New Mexico have proven to be very successful.

Australia is the only country in the world with an Indigenous heritage that does not have a truly National Indigenous cultural centre.

International examples

Why Alice Springs?

Why now?

Why is this necessary?

Alice Springs is Arrernte country- why not an Arrernte Centre?

How will this work in a practical sense?

Where can I sign up?!

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you