Oakajee Port and Rail’s annual showcase of indigenous artworks from the Mid West is building a collective brand for artists in the region as well as opening up economic opportunities.
Now in its fourth year, the Good Heart Mid West Aboriginal Art Exhibition has attracted a record 130 works from more than 60 indigenous artists working as far afield as Wiluna, Morawa and Meekatharra.
All the works in the exhibition are for sale, with proceeds going directly to the artists.
At the conclusion of this year’s exhibition, OPR expects to have raised as much as $350,000 for the artists and, in a reflection of the quality of the works, the Art Gallery of WA has acquired pieces from the collection every year.
But the true value of this exhibition is its potential as a launchpad for young or emerging artists. For many, Good Heart is their first engagement with the commercial art scene.
OPR chief executive John Langoulant said Good Heart played a special role in nurturing talent from the region. “If we don’t give them the opportunity to demonstrate their talents a lot will move on and do other things,” Mr Langoulant said.
“This facilitates the development of artist endeavours through the Mid West and it’s been demonstrated by the fact that the number of indigenous artists (participating) has been growing steadily.”
OPR established Good Heart in partnership with the Mid West indigenous community with the ultimate aim of creative self-sustaining enterprises for indigenous communities.
This year’s Good Heart collection, which includes works on canvas, textiles, woodwork, ceramics and artefacts, will be unveiled in Perth next week. A selection of the works have already been exhibited in Geraldton to give residents a taste of the talent in their region.
OPR general manager of community and public relations Kim Pervan said the record number of participants in this year’s exhibition underscored the value of its investment in the show.
The collection will be on show in the foyer of QV1 from June 27 to July 1.
