Tuesday, 25 March 2025

BALLARAT FIRST NATIONS ARTISTS BRUSH UP AT PERRIDAK

The Allan Labor Government is supporting a First Nations art gallery in Ballarat to bring together local talent, connect with culture and showcase creative excellence to the community and the rest of the world.

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle today represented Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes on a visit to Ballarat’s Perridak Arts Gallery to tour the space and highlight artwork from more than 70 local First Nations artists.

The gallery – which opened in 2023 – was backed by a $200,000 Labor Government investment to create a space specifically for First Nations artists to showcase their work and features artworks for sale including landscape paintings and hand painted emu eggs and weaves, with funds going directly to artists.

The artworks have gained international interest with buyers from as far away as Boston in the United States, providing more than $120,000 for local artists who have sold their work and helping to bolster the regional First Nations arts industry.

Perridak Arts allows artists to submit their work, name their price and take it down when they choose to, empowering artists to forge their own creative pathways and careers.

The name of the gallery – perridak – means ‘platypus’ in Wadawurrung language. For the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-Operative (BADAC) which manages the gallery, the platypus is a symbol for the diversity of Ballarat’s Aboriginal community.

BADAC’s recent surveys show there are 39 different Aboriginal nations living within the area supported by the organisation. BADAC’s involvement in the project is part of its goal to strengthen Aboriginal families in their communities by delivering health, social and community development programs.

The Perridak Arts Gallery investment is part of the Labor Government’s record $45 billion support for projects that are making rural and regional Victoria an even better place to live, work, stay and play.

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Jaclyn Symes

“It’s so great to see Perridak Arts Gallery thriving years after our support to create the space, offering a platform for dozens of First Nations artists to express themselves.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle

“We’re excited to see more of the amazing pieces of art that will be on display at Perridak Arts, which will directly support local First Nations people when the works are sold to the public.”

Quotes attributable to BADAC Chief Executive of Culture, Public Relations & Engagement, Shu Brown

“We’ve been able to build a wonderful space for our First Nations artists and craftspeople to share their stories, heritage and culture with people from all corners of the world.”