THE Loddon Mallee Aboriginal Reference Group (LMARG) is calling on the region’s aspiring artists to put their creative skills to work to reflect the group’s aspirations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“Our lives, our future, our solutions” is the LMARG vision for the region’s first nations communities in Mildura, Bendigo, Robinvale and Echuca, and it wants to find an artwork that can be used to translate its aspirations to imagery.
The winning design, which will come with a $4000 first prize, will be transformed into a brand identity for LMARG, including a logo and design elements for the organisation’s website and documentation.
LMARG chairman Paul O’Neill said the competition is an opportunity not to be missed for any eligible applicants who would like to see their artwork “come to life”.
“LMARG is building a website to highlight our work and make new connections between member services and the communities in Loddon Mallee,” Mr O’Neill said.
“We want to find an artwork by a local artist that represents LMARG and our goals. We know there are some deadly and talented artists out there across the Loddon Mallee and this competition is a fantastic chance for them to get involved in something really positive, to connect to culture and also gain some exposure.”
LMARG is a forum comprised of member Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) in the Loddon Mallee region, with membership including Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) – Mildura, Swan Hill and Kerang, Murray Valley Co-operative (MVAC) Robinvale, Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC) and Njernda Aboriginal Co-operative Echuca.
Njernda chief executive officer and LMARG board member Tracey Dillon said a panel of judges, comprising Aboriginal people from LMARG communities would take advice from an independent Aboriginal artist consultant, and be looking for “artistic vision, visual impact, inclusivity, creativity and originality”.
“Our judges will be looking for submissions that have an alignment with the LMARG values, that show a representation of strength through unity, that are inclusive of communities throughout the LMARG catchment, and that reference traditional techniques and cultural elements relevant to the Loddon Mallee,” she said.
“LMARG aims to improve health and social outcomes of its communities through shared planning, advocacy and program delivery across health, human services, education, employment and justice sectors. It is considered an exemplar in Aboriginal leadership, strategic decision making, governance and self-determination.
“We are proud to bring this opportunity to our mob and are looking forward to seeing what the come up with.”
The competition is open to Aboriginal artists living in Loddon Mallee, with proof of residency to be supplied. Submissions must include a PDF, a high-resolution JPEG or PNG (photograph) of the artwork and accompanied by a short artist’s statement (100 words or less) about the work and alignment to LMARG vision and purpose.
Submissions close at 5pm on December 9, 2022, and the original artwork must be made available to LMARG. The winner will be announced by December 25, 2022.
Submissions can be made to kate.glenie@lmarg.com.au
or https://www.lmarg.com.au/art-competition
