‘For all our mobs’: Understanding the experiences of Indigenous artists in working together internationally for the now and the future of Indigenous cultures, knowledges and arts practice

This report presents the outcomes of a research project conducted at an artistic collaboration that brought together Indigenous Australian artists based in Central Queensland and Māori artists who travelled from New Zealand. The Artists’ Gathering, titled Returning Cross Culture: Blending our Identities 2015, was a 10-day residential collaboration of artists, held near Yeppoon, Central Queensland. The artists worked individually and collaboratively painting, print making, sculpting, carving and undertaking mixed media and clay work. This research was requested by the artists, via their organiser. Data were gathered while the artists worked on Country, during the Artists’ Gathering. The research used qualitative, individual interviews to explore Indigenous artists’ experiences of working together for cultural and arts development. It also explored how working together might impact the present and the future of Indigenous cultures, knowledges and arts practices. The findings of this project highlight the importance of supporting, promoting and funding Indigenous cultures and arts for the now and the future of Indigenous cultures, knowledges and arts practice. This research was funded by the National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network (NIRAKN) (ARC ID: SR120100005), CQUniversity’s Centre for Tourism and Regional Opportunities (CTRO), and support from CQUniversity’s Office of Indigenous Engagement. It involved support and contributions made by colleagues at CQUniversity’s Office of Indigenous Engagement, Keppel Coast Arts Inc., Kaylene and Howard (Joe) Butler, and the participating artists. The work was managed by CQUniversity’s Office of Indigenous Engagement.