Federal Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, and the Arts Simon Crean called in at Charles Darwin University this week as part of his visit to the Northern Territory.
Minister Crean met with Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover for a brief discussion covering CDU initiatives and activities relevant to Minister Crean's portfolio.
Professor Glover accompanied Mr Crean on a tour of the CDU Art Collection and Art Gallery and the Northern Editions Gallery and Workshop.
Northern Editions manager Emma Fowler-Thomason showed the Minister a series of etchings by 19-year-old Tennant Creek artist Dion Beasleyand other pieces from artists based in Yuendemu. Professor Glover said one of the special things about the gallery was the opportunity it provided for artists such as Dion to learn new techniques and gain a start in their careers.
Northern Editions printmakers also provided Mr Crean with an in depth look at a unique technique that adapts Indigenous art to Japanese block printmaking.
Minister Crean said it was fascinating to see the engagement and creativity of Indigenous art and the fusion of Indigenous art with western techniques at Northern Editions.
“It is unique in the way that the gallery combines engagement with the artist, production, storage and beautifully displayed artwork,” Mr Crean said.