Two-Day Celebration of Art and Music at NAS During NAIDOC Week
Image: National Art School
The National Art School (NAS) will host The Neighbour at the Gate, a major new exhibition opening on 11 July during NAIDOC Week in Sydney.
Running until 18 October, the show launches with a two-day public programme featuring workshops, artist talks, and a headline concert by Malyangapa and Barkindji rapper BARKAA.
Led by curator Clothilde Bullen and a diverse curatorial team, the exhibition addresses the long-term effects of immigration policy and colonial legacies in Australia. It focuses on how these histories continue to shape the lives and relationships of First Nations and Asian Australian communities.
The show includes new commissions from creatives such as Malaysian-Chinese fibre artist Jacky Cheng, Iranian-Australian video artist Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson, Vietnamese interdisciplinary artist James Nguyen, and James Tylor, whose multicultural background as a Nunga (Kaurna Miyurna), Māori (Te Arawa) and European (English, Scottish, Irish, Dutch and Norwegian) man informs his artistic practice.
It also features works by Dennis Golding and Jenna Mayilema Lee, both of First Nations heritage.
Hands on workshops and unmissable performances
The exhibition is led by Clothilde Bullen OAM, a Wardandi (Noongar) and Badimaya (Yamatji) woman, alongside curators Micheal Do and Zali Morgan, a Whadjuk Balladong and Wilman (Noongar) woman.
“The Neighbour at the Gate is an extraordinary artistic project exploring the connections between First Nations and Asian Australian peoples,” said NAS Director and CEO Dr Kristen Sharp.
“We can’t wait to welcome audiences to the National Art School, and celebrate the opening weekend with this vibrant two-day program that invites the public to engage with the exhibition through artist talks, workshops, music and more—culminating in a not-to-bemissed concert with BARKAA and Rainbow Chan.”
Opening day activities on 11 July include free artist talks and demonstrations. James Nguyen will lead a ceramic incense holder workshop as part of his interactive installation, while Jacky Cheng hosts a tassel-making session based on her installation.
On 12 July, families can enjoy a day of hands-on creative workshops, including screen printing, ceramics, and more. The day also features a panel with artists and curators, sound bath sessions, and children’s reading corners.
The weekend closes with the Shared Skies music concert in the Cell Block Theatre. Free DJ sets begin at 5pm, followed by ticketed performances at 8pm from Rainbow Chan, Rocky Stallone, and headliner BARKAA.
The exhibition is part of a commissioned project supported by the NSW Government through the Blockbusters Funding initiative. It will be accompanied by an educational framework and publication.
More information and bookings for select events can be found at nas.edu.au.
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