Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE

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Celebrating Indigenous art and culture

A celebration of indigenous art and culture will be held at Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (GOTAFE) at 12 noon on Friday 21 November in the Harder Auditorium at the Fryers Campus.

After a successful year of re-engaging the Goulburn Valley's Indigenous community in education with the inaugural DIDGe digital storytelling project and the Certificate II & III in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts courses, students will proudly showcase their leading edge creations in front of an expected 200 guests of indigenous and non indigenous leaders and the wider community of greater Shepparton.

The DIDGe project has integrated the spirit of the traditional keepers and story tellers of Elders inspiring younger storytellers to interpret old narratives through new media, marking a turning point with educational exposure to digital technology for the local indigenous community.

DIDGe saw 11 indigenous participants develop into two groups of youth and mature aged students who took part in the program which was part of a partnership between GOTAFE, the Academy of Sports Health and Education (ASHE) and the North Shepparton Community Learning Centre.

GOTAFE's DIDGe Coordinator Robyn Thompson said "This project lets us see Aboriginal people taking control of their own storytelling through inspirational art as well as listening to the authentic voices of Elders talking about their local significance. Their stories provide a unique point of view."

It is anticipated the DIDGe DVD's will be used as a community resource to promote cultural awareness to both indigenous and non-indigenous people in the Goulburn Valley.

Subsequent to the showcasing of DIDGE, students completing the Certificate II & III in Aboriginal or Torres Islander Cultural Art will proudly present their finished creations with a Koorie Art Exhibition.

The exhibition will showcase a remarkable collection of contemporary and traditional artworks including canvas paintings, digital imaging, jewellery, didgeridoos, prints, boomerangs, clap sticks and much more.

To find out more or to register your attendance of the "Celebration of Indigenous Art & Culture" event on Friday 21 November phone 1300 GOTAFE (1300 468 233) or visit www.gotafe.vic.edu.au