Exhibit showcases art by incarcerated First Nations youth
An art exhibition is making a difference in Sydney’s southwest, as part of NAIDOC week celebrations. The artists are young First Nations people serving time behind bars, collaborating with local elders to share their stories.
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00:00First Nations culture is coming to life at Campbelltown Arts Centre this NAIDOC week,
00:09with an exhibition celebrating the work of emerging talent.
00:15These paintings were created just a few kilometres away by kids at the Reby Juvenile Justice
00:20Centre.
00:21It's a very proud moment really, it's for the young people and it's about showcasing
00:26their artworks and the beautiful works that they do within our centres.
00:29The art project is a way they can keep their connection to country and an outlet to explore
00:34their identity.
00:35These kids put a lot of effort into what they do, they learn more about totems, their country
00:41and all that sort of stuff, so it can only benefit those kids.
00:44Elders are a key part of the program, passing on cultural knowledge.
00:48It's still good to have Aboriginal people around me that can help me when I need it
00:54or to talk to you even, or just learn about culture more.
00:59For Trey, who can't be identified, it's a chance to reconnect.
01:02You're just stuck away, you're trapped, you can't be with your family all the time or
01:08help the ones that you wish you could, be there for your mum, you just can't be there
01:12for the people you love or do the things you wish you could.
01:16Despite celebrations, in New South Wales there is a crisis, with First Nations children making
01:21up two thirds of detainees.
01:24The Minister for Youth Justice says art programs could offer a fresh start to participants.
01:30Really powerful artwork and there's a poignancy too in that the young people who painted these
01:35are actually not here to see this at the moment and I think that also speaks volumes as well.
01:41There is a disappointment that the young people can't be here, but they have been heard by
01:46being here.
01:47This year's NAIDOC Week theme, Keep the Fire Burning, Black, Loud and Proud, has been a
01:51source of inspiration.
01:53So it was keep the fire burning, so this tree is our ancestors and it's still standing tall,
02:02but it's really about breaking the cycle, this is what we really wanted to capture.
02:06Once they engage in these sort of things, it lifts up their self esteem and all that
02:12sort of stuff.
02:13So once they learn about these things, they recognise how strong our culture is.
02:17This art exhibition in South West Sydney on Dharawal country is giving kids a voice on
02:22the outside.
02:23The exhibition is running until the 28th of July.