12 September 2024
By Hannah Wilcox
A First Nations community art exhibition is set to take over the tunnels of the Coal Loader later this year.
Running between October 12 to November 3, Keep the Fire Burning explores the transformative and enduring power of fire in Indigenous culture, art and storytelling.
The title is synonymous with the 2024 NAIDOC theme and aims to breathe life into stories both new and old, with all creation or stories including the element of fire.
Curated by Jodie Dowd, eight First Nations artists will display their work: Amanda Jane Reynolds, Dr. Virginia Keft, Kieran Satour, Lucy Simpson, Nathan Mudyi Sentance, Dr Emma Hicks and Amethyst Downing-McLeod.
“Fire forms a central part of each artwork,” the website reads.
“Fire was used to eco-dye silks and weavings for the collaborative artwork by First Nations community members, stories of passion are shared through sounds and moving images, and forms have been forged through flames to create glass works and designs on possum skin cloaks.”
A series of public programs will also take place alongside the exhibition, including tours, artist talks and hands-on workshops.
The event is free to enter and is open for viewing Thursday through Sunday only.