North Sydney Council has invited the public to experience Keep the Fire Burning, a powerful First Nations community art exhibition, presented on the sacred lands of the Cammeraygal people.
Inspired by the 2024 NAIDOC theme, Keep the Fire Burning, the free exhibition delves into the profound and transformative role of fire in First Nations culture. Fire, in this context, symbolises endurance, passion, and regeneration—igniting old stories while breathing life into new narratives. The exhibition showcases the rich interplay of fire across artistic mediums and stories.
Curated by North Shore-based Noongar artist, basket weaver, and writer, Jodie Dowd, the exhibition brings together the works of eight talented First Nations artists.
Each artist has woven the symbolic and elemental power of fire into their creations—whether it's through vivid soundscapes, captivating moving images, or the striking use of flames to shape glassworks, eco-dyed textiles, and possum skin cloaks.
Among the featured artists are Amethyst Downing-McLeod (Wandi Wandian), Emma Hicks (Gamilaroi), Virginia Keft (Muruwari), Courtney Marsh-Curry (Minyungbal and South Sea Islander), Amanda Jane Reynolds (Guringai and Yuin), Kieran Mpetyane Satour (Gurindji, Pertame Arrernte, Worimi), Nathan Mudyi Sentence (Wiradjuri), and Lucy Simpson (Yuwaalaraay Wirringgaa).
Together with exhibition curator Dowd, their collective works form a tapestry that not only celebrates artistic expression but also honours the deep connection between fire and First Nations traditions of cleansing, protecting, and renewing.
A collaborative community artwork, led by Keft, adds to the exhibition's depth. Created during a pre-opening weaving workshop, this piece reflects the collective spirit of First Nations storytelling and creativity.
The exhibition was officially opened by North Sydney Council Mayor, Cr. Zoë Baker, on 12 October, with a moving Welcome to Country by Aunty Jeannie Moran. A traditional smoking ceremony accompanied the event, and the catering was provided by the innovative Bush to Bowl team, further grounding the experience in First Nations heritage.
Visitors can explore the exhibition from 10 am to 3:30 pm, Thursday through Sunday, until 3 November. Special public programs will be held on Saturday, 26 October, offering an opportunity to engage with the artists and gain deeper insight into the cultural significance of the artworks.
Wiradjuri artist Mr Mudyi Sentence will lead hourly tours from 10 am to 1 pm, providing his unique perspective on the exhibition. In addition, curator Ms Dowd will host a weaving circle, where attendees can learn to weave their own bracelets while hearing stories from Jodie's weaving practice and the exhibition's creation. No registrations are required for the weaving circle, which will run from 11 am. to 1 pm.
The exhibition runs in Tunnel One at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, from 12 October to 3 November 2024.
