Press Release

CARROLUP: CONNECTIONS, COMMUNITY, CULTURE AND COLGATE.

The community of Katanning is busy preparing for a visit from academics and students from Colgate University, New York State, USA.

Colgate University holds the largest collection of artwork by the Child artists of Carrolup Mission. Many will remember the magnificent exhibition of 1940’s-1950’s Noongar child artists’ paintings which were returned to Katanning for the 2006 Perth International Arts Festival.

Colgate University has displayed considerable sensitivity in its custodianship of these important Indigenous Australian art works. Strong links have been built with the Noongar people of the Great Southern region of Western Australia and Mungart Boodja Art Centre in Katanning.

Sixteen exchange students and Geography Professor, Ellen Percy Kraly will meet with Noongar artists over the long weekend of the 30th May to 2^nd June 2008. Especially poignant will be the commemoration of Sorry Day and the sharing of stories and paintings. The Colgate University visitors will gather at Marribank to hear the Elders stories first hand, including their child hood experiences living at Carrolup Mission-as it was known. The students will also be documenting significant South- West heritage sites and continuing the work on the Moorditj Noongar Yorgas Wearable Art Fashion Program for Noongar girls aged twelve to twenty- two.

This exchange enriches understanding on both sides and is an important affirmation of Noongar community values and the contribution to the region.

A traditional Noongar Welcome will be performed in Katanning by Gya Ngoop (One Blood)-Barry McGuire and his seven brothers, at the Katanning Noongar Centre at 6:00pm on Saturday 31^st May. All are welcome. To assist with catering purposes please RSVP Patricia House by Friday 23^rd May 2008 on 98 212 836 or email phouse@mungartboodja.com .

Barry says “Through art I believe our culture can provide a platform to keep our traditions alive. If we believe in ourselves and pull together as one in our communities, we can do anything.”

For further information please contact Manager, Patricia House 98 212 836