Ngaarr (Strong) Wandabaa (Spirit) Thanbarran (Connection)

Ngaarr (Strong) Wandabaa (Spirit) Thanbarran (Connection)

Ngaarr (Strong) Wandabaa (Spirit) Thanbarran (Connection) was a First Nations pop-up exhibition and partnership between Arts North West and The University of New England.

‘Ngaarr, Wandabaa, Thanbarran’ means ‘Strong, Spirit, Connection’ in the language of Gamilaraay.

The exhibition was hosted on Gomeroi country at The Youthie, Tamworth during the Tamworth Country Music Festival and was an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the strong cultural connections of First Nation’s artists in our region.

Aboriginal art is based on stories and knowledge that has been passed down through the generations and is a way to communicate meaning and ideas about important cultural and spiritual beliefs. Dance, song, art and language are some of the ways to connect to culture, country, community and spirit. This exhibition was an opportunity for the celebration of culture; for established artists, emerging artists and the audience; to all be part of the journey of a stronger and culturally connected tomorrow.

The opening of ‘Ngaarr, Wandabaa, Thanbarran’ was held 10.00am - 12.00pm on the 16th of January, 2023 at the Tamworth Youthie, 1 Quinn St, West Tamworth NSW 2340. The spirited talents of local First Nations creatives Uncle Roger Knox, Buddy Knox, the Gomeroi Dance Academy, accompanied the exhibition opening, and Uncle Len Waters presented the Welcome to Country for all of community to enjoy.

Photos by Without Fear Photography

This project was made possible by the generous funds of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support, Grant Round.