LANDCARE – THE RIVER OF RECONCILIATION
About This Project
About the project
The River of Reconciliation: An Aboriginal Art Award for Richmond Landcare was an art competition that supported local Aboriginal artists by providing an opportunity for them to showcase their work and be recognised for their talent.
The competition was held in conjunction with NAIDOC week and celebrated the rich cultural heritage and artistic tradition of the Traditional Owners of the Richmond River catchment. The artwork created through this competition will be used to illustrate the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and in non-profit promotional materials to build collaboration between Landcare and the local Aboriginal community.
By providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work and engaging with the community through cultural events, this competition aimed to increase cultural awareness, promote participation and build collaborative partnerships between Landcare and the traditional owners of the Richmond River catchment.
How the ABF helped
ABF provided a grant of $3,000 to the project.
Outcomes
In December 2023 Richmond Landcare announced winners of the River off Reconciliation
Hedy Bryant, Chair of Richmond Landcare, expressed the organisation’s excitement, saying, “As the first Landcare Network with a Reconciliation Action Plan, incorporating a local artwork into this document signifies a significant step toward a closer collaboration with the First Nations people on whose lands we live and work.”
“We were thrilled to receive 22 submissions of artworks for the River of Reconciliation Art Award, with a special mention to the students of Cabbage Tree Island Public School whose contributions made our hearts sing.”
Main Prize Winner: Tywana Caldwell
The main prize was awarded to Tywana Caldwell for her captivating artwork titled “Baluun – River.” Tywana describes the piece as a representation of the Richmond River, flowing for approximately 170 km from the NSW and QLD border into the Northern Rivers. Green meeting symbols illustrate the communities it flows through, symbolising reconciliation through interconnectedness. Eucalyptus leaves and rocks in the background emphasise the importance of land, a poignant reminder of the beauty of the region. Tywana’s work beautifully reflects the theme of working together to keep the land thriving.
Junior Prize Winner: Noah Davismarlowe
Noah Davismarlowe from Cabbage Tree Island Public School secured the Junior Prize for his remarkable work titled “Sunset.” Through his art, Noah skilfully conveyed a narrative understanding of communities flowing, connecting, and meeting along the river. His inclusion of symbols depicting people coming together along the river, paints a vivid picture of reconciliation. The design and skilled use of art materials in Noah’s work were praised for their sophistication and detail.