It begins with ochre and charcoal gathered on Country and ends in a piece of art that lays the groundwork for more.

Kaiela Arts has announced the launch of Kaiela Arts Editions, a new initiative that offers hands-on professional development opportunities for local First Nations artists, expands their creative and commercial avenues, and raises funds for its screen-printing practice.

According to Kaiela Arts curator Chloe Jones, it also marks a new direction for the centre.

“(These) exclusive works directly sustain cultural practice and community-led futures,” she said.

The first edition is waiting to spring forth: a commissioned silkscreen print by internationally renowned First Nations artist Maree Clarke.

Ms Clarke, a proud Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, BoonWurrung and Wemba Wemba woman, has been a leading figure in the revival of south-east Australian Aboriginal cultural practice for over three decades.

Over the past year, she has been on Yorta Yorta Country, forging connections with the community and drawing inspiration from local landscapes and revered Elders.

Working alongside Kaiela Arts artists and Spacecraft Melbourne, Ms Clarke has produced a limited edition of 40 hand-printed works on archival paper and 10 glass silkscreen prints.

“Every new work is about recreating culture in a positive, respectful way — reviving practices not seen for generations and passing that knowledge on,” she said.

“It’s so important to pass on cultural knowledge.

“It’s who you are, where you’re from.”

The pieces are charged with spectacular choices, including specialist inks made from ochres and charcoal, both of which were collected during trips to Barmah and Cummeragunja.

And now, they’re set to be unveiled in Shepparton and Melbourne.

Kaiela Arts will celebrate the launch of the limited-edition prints with two special events in November: one at Kaiela Arts in Shepparton on Thursday, November 20, and another at Spacecraft Melbourne on the following day.

Each year, a different accomplished artist will collaborate similarly with Kaiela Arts, lending a new sense of liveliness to each edition.

Prints will be available for purchase in the Kaiela Arts gallery and online at kaielaarts.org.au

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Sunday, 26th December 2021

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