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Media Release |
16th June, 2006 |
Marra Aboriginal Corporation
ART IS IN OUR SOUL
Marra Aboriginal Corporation is showcasing their authentic quality works at the forthcoming Brownes Yoghurt Everywoman Expo 2006 being held at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre 16th – 18th June.
The name Marra is the Aboriginal word for hand. “We believe as artists we use our hands a lot regarding our artwork” and “…it is our tool to promote and preserve our art and culture.”
Maxine Gregory a spokesperson for Marra Aboriginal Corporation shares the importance of the above enterprise which commenced in 1979, Geraldton, WA.
The journey to establish Marra Aboriginal Corporation has been a long and fruitful one. Its establishment was essential as, “We did not have anywhere for our local artists to display and sell their works of art.” Marra Aboriginal Corporation has now become the centrepiece for “authentic quality Aboriginal fine art, artefacts and other artworks and culture…” from the Yamaji Region.
The importance of this enterprise is evident in the acknowledgement that “…this opportunity gives them much self esteem and pride in what they are about, sharing their culture with everyone and a way of telling their stories to all.”
The generations involved in Marra Aboriginal Corporation are evident. This insight is provided by Maxine Gregory when she shares that her “…daughter and son are budding artists [and] also my grandchildren love doing any kind of artworks.”
Marra Aboriginal Corporation is more than an enterprise. It also provides the inspiration for future goals. These are captured in Maxine’s words:
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“Market our products within our own country first and then target overseas.”
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Secondly, “For our business to be very successful and fruitful and full of CULTURE AND COLOUR.”
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Thirdly, “To be able to have young artist[s] doing exhibitions, workshops etc.”
The artist currently featured on the Marra Aboriginal Corporation website is Ruby McIntosh a Yamaji artist living in Geraldton.
An international exhibition of works and culture in Ireland is in the planning stages for July 2007. Marra Aboriginal Corporation artists involved to date are: Maxine Gregory, Ruby McIntosh and Olive Boddington.
The opportunity to view and engage with ART IS IN OUR SOUL pieces by Maxine Gregory (sarongs, scarfs and ties) and Mellissa Jacobs (scarfs) is possible at the 2006 Everywomen Expo.
Members of the Marra Aboriginal Corporation attended a workshop held by Carol Hanlon in Geraldton, WA.
There are thousands of women living in isolated and regional areas of Australia with innovative ideas or with a business in the TCF or creative industries. The Textile Clothing and Footwear Resource Centre of WA (TCF WA) recognised the hardships involved for these women and decided to do something about it.
TCF Australia Uncovered Business Skills project was launched July 2004 and scheduled a series of events that run from August 2004 to March 2006. These activities will be held from far North and South WA, Darwin, Alice Springs, Geelong and Hobart and also in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth with activities scheduled to coincide with such fashion events as Fashion Exposed, Mercedes Australian Fashion Week, the Australian Fashion Awards and Perth Fashion Festival.
During 2004-2006 the TCF Australia Uncovered Business Skills project will concentrate on uncovering design talent in remote and regional Australia and provide business skills development in the form of online mentoring, specialist workshops, networking and business matching opportunities. A focus of the project will be directed to indigenous, multicultural and young women.
TCF Australia Uncovered Business Skills project is an Australian Government Funded service under the Small Business Enterprise Culture Program and is supported by the TCFWA Inc., Belmont Business Enterprise Centre Inc. (BBEC) , M.D.F.I, WA Office of Multicultural Interests, C.T.I. NT, N.T.F.A. and Business Professional Women WA
For more details on Marra Aboriginal Corporation contact:
Media Contact: Maxine Gregory
Phone: 61 08 9965 3440 Mobile: 0414 746 843
Email: maxine@marra.com.au
Website: www.marra.com.au
For further information on women participating in TCF Australia Uncovered Business Skills project view www.tcfaustralia.com
Media Contact: Carol Hanlon
Phone: 08 9479 3777 Fax: 08 9479 3888 Mobile: 0417 963 231
eMail: tcfaustralia@tcfwa.com
Further details on the TCF WA and it’s projects visit www.tcfwa.com
Further details on Belmont BEC and it’s projects visit www.belmontbec.com
