Central Coast Council is celebrating Indigenous Arts and Culture this weekend with a series of community events across the Coast to kick off National Reconciliation Week.

With a theme of ‘Don’t Keep History a Mystery: Learn. Share. Grow’, National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May – 3 June and provides an opportunity to reflect on the reconciliation journey and our national story by learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said the Council will celebrate this important week with a series of events including the launch of the annual Sean Lonergan Schools Project and Maliga.

“National Reconciliation Week is an important time for the community to gather, celebrate Indigenous arts and culture and learn about our region’s shared histories, cultures, and achievements.” Mr Cannard said.

“Locally, the artistic skills of the region’s school students will be highlighted in exhibitions at the Gosford Regional Gallery and The Art House, both of which explore the diversity of Indigenous art, including contemporary pieces based on connection to place and cultural identity.

“Council is also supporting a free, community-run Cultural Market Day on Sunday 27 May and we invite the wider Coast community to come along. The day will feature Aboriginal art & craft stalls, entertainment, aboriginal performances, a BBQ, free children's craft and an interactive Wildlife Arc Society animal display.”

The Sean Lonergan Schools Project will be launched at the Gosford Regional Gallery on Sunday 27 May. Aboriginal artists have worked in residency with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in 11 schools to create the art pieces on display. At the launch, the students will share their experience of working with an Aboriginal artist to produce a collaborative artwork.

The following day, Monday 28 May, will see the Maliga ('shine' in Darkinjung) Indigenous Art Showcase launched at The Art House which this year includes a new category for children aged 3-5 that the students at Kooloora Preschool were invited to enter.

The Maliga launch will include an awards presentation, entertainment and morning tea with presentations by guest speakers; Indigenous Finalist for Exposure Photographic Prize & NAISDA Student Amy Flannery, Uncle Gavi Duncan, Aunty Jenni McEwen and Aunty Karen Adams.

Mayor Jane Smith said Reconciliation Week is an important time to share knowledge and reflect on the contribution of Indigenous arts and culture to the Coast.

“Indigenous art incorporates more than just the well-known dot paintings,” Mayor Smith said.

“Film, photography, sculpture, collage and dance are other forms of contemporary Indigenous art that is less familiar to the general community but still integral to the Indigenous culture.

“Both these local exhibitions showcase our region’s rich heritage while providing a platform for Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and young people to creatively express their own stories connected to country and identity, creating a sense of pride in their cultural identity and challenging preconceived ideas about contemporary Indigenous Art.

“We invite all members of the community, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to learn more about our Indigenous heritage by joining us during National Reconciliation Week.”

Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/galleries and centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/maliga for more information.