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State Library of NSW to host Indigenous creatives for discussion rooted in truth-telling, collectivism and art

Phoebe Blogg - September 27, 2024

Dr Bronwyn Bancroft will be joined Kylie Caldwell and Kyra Kum-Sing for an in-conversation discussion rooted in truth-telling, collectivism and art at the State Library of New South Wales next month. (Image: Australian Arts Review)

In connection with her stirring exhibition The Country Cries for Truth, next month Dr Bronwyn Bancroft will join Kylie Caldwell and Kyra Kum-Sing for an in-conversation discussion rooted in truth-telling, collectivism and art.

Set to take place on October 3 at the State Library of New South Wales, the discussion is set to be an engaging and informative evening.

Having exhibited nationally and internationally for more than four decades, Dr Bancroft has also illustrated and/or written 47 books in addition to being the director of her own company, Designer Aboriginals Pty Ltd since 1985.

Dr Bancroft is a board member/director of the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME), Indigenous-led charity The Returning and the Commonwealth Bank Indigenous Advisory Council.

She is a founding member of Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative and has been the co-operative's volunteer senior strategist since 2009.

Holding a Diploma of Visual Arts, 2 Masters degrees and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Sydney, the talented artist carries a wealth of artistic and industry knowledge surrounding First Nations Culture and community.

In 2021–22 Dr Bronwyn Bancroft completed a series of works as part of the inaugural NSW First Nations Creative Fellowship at the State Library of NSW, and says she is thrilled to be returning there next month.

*Bronwyn Bancroft, Kylie Caldwell and Kyra Kum-Sing. (Image: State Library New South Wales)*

In connection with Dr Bancroft's The Country Cries for Truth exhibition, the discussion will examine the exhibition and the ideas and questions that stem from it, including: What does Blak success look like in a hyper-capitalistic world?; How do we show up for each other and our community?; and who decides what 'truth' is?

Within The Country Cries for Truth, Dr Bancroft celebrates family and connection to Country, while exploring the complex and painful legacies of colonisation.

"I think The Country Cries for Truth title is actually interconnected with the struggle of Aboriginal people across this country and the tears are real," Dr Bronwyn Bancroft said.

"You know, the tears of pain, the tears of anguish, the tears of displacement, the tears of togetherness, the tears of triumph, there can be happy tears and there can be sad tears."

Indigenous Engagement at the State Library of NSW, Cherokee Lord said the exhibition calls for the pausing and consideration of the devastation of colonisation for Aboriginal people.

"The Country Cries for Truth is a celebration of Dr Bronwyn Bancroft's family and their ongoing connection to Bundjalung Country," Ms Lord said.

"This exhibition calls for us to pause and consider the devastation of colonisation for Aboriginal people, and to remember the complex and painful legacies of this history which still live in Country."

*Behind the scenes of the The Country Cries for Truth exhibition. (Image: State Library New South Wales)*

Joining Bancroft in the discussion will be Bundjalung weaver and fibre artist Kylie Caldwell.

In her practice, Ms Caldwell works to rediscover ancient Bundjalung crafts and thread them into the modern world, using various modes to deepen and expand her own cultural creative expression and knowledge.

Malera Bandjalan, Mitakoodi woman, Kyra Kum-Sing will also feature in the discussion.

Having paved a unique and important path within the arts sector as both an artist and curator, Ms Kum-Sing has been the curator at Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative for the past four years and has curated a number of significant and acclaimed exhibitions, including Boomalli's 25th Anniversary Mardi Gras Exhibition: Original Box (2019).

Ms Kum-Sing has a diverse artistic practice which includes painting, drawing, weaving, sculpture, installations and clothing design, and is a consultant for the Aboriginal site heritage and repatriation work on Bandjalan Country in Northern NSW, where she is working on revitalising the Malera Bandjalan language.

The talented creative stands strong in being a passionate advocate for Aboriginal rights, self-determination and the Aboriginal arts and cultural sector.

Expected to be a night of topical discussions surrounding the exhibition and the ideas that stem from it, attendees are encouraged bring open minds when listening to views shared by Ms Bancroft, Ms Caldwell and Ms Kum-Sing.

Free tickets are available for First Nations audience members.

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