Coomaditchie: The Art of Place
Experience community life by the ocean through the works of First Nations artists in Coomaditchie: The Art of Place at the Museum of Sydney. These loving and lyrical artworks, which include paintings, ceramics and screen-prints, speak of life in and around the settlement of Coomaditchie, its history, ecology and local Dreaming stories.
The exhibition celebrates the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation in 1993. The corporation provides support and services to the broader community and to the people of the Coomaditchie settlement, located at Coomaditchie Lagoon in the city of Wollongong, the centre of the Illawarra region of NSW. Also on display are original historical documents and a short film that reveal the social and political narrative of the founding of the current Coomaditchie settlement, which followed a long campaign for housing for local Aboriginal people.
Today, the work of the Coomaditchie artists can be found all over the Illawarra – in community spaces, buildings, landscapes, streets and galleries. A selection of photographs shows the depth and the beauty of their contributions to the public art landscape. This timely exhibition offers a glimpse into the political, social and artistic activities of a very special place.
School holiday activities: During the school holidays, visit the Museum of Sydney for a range of thought provoking and fun drop-in activities. Kids can try their hand at badge-making inspired by the tireless campaigning of Coomaditchie residents for access to housing or create their own postcard that focuses on the spiritual connection First Nation’s people have to the land.
FREE, no bookings required. Materials supplied, suitable for all ages.
Activities will run every day* 13-28 April, 10am-2pm.
*subject to staff availability
Exhibition events
25 May, 11.30am
Tour
Coomaditchie: The Art Of Place Curator Talk
Join First Nations Curator Tess Allas for a tour of the thought-provoking exhibition Coomaditchie: The Art of Place
9–10 July, 11am & 2pm
Workshop
Art of Place: Poetry Workshop with Lucy Norton
You are invited to write about your 'Art of Place' at a Poetry Workshop with Lucy Norton
2 May, 11.30am
Talk
Coomaditchie Artists in Conversation
Hear from senior Coomaditchie artists in conversation with First Nations Curator Tess Allas
Coomaditchie: The Art of Place is based on the exhibition commissioned by Wollongong Art Gallery in 2023.
Museum of Sydney
Corner Phillip and Bridge streets, Sydney NSW 2000. Phone +61 2 9251 5988- Cafe
- Wheelchair accessible
30 March – 25 August 2024
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