The Art Activism by Great Women Conference
- Written by Alex Clampett
The power of art to impart positive social, political and environmental change
Hear from female changemakers shaping our future through art and activism!
Don’t miss the inspiring one-day event – Art Activism by Great Women Conference presented by Lerida Estate and aMBUSH Gallery – being held on Sunday 28 March at Kambri at ANU, as part of the successful HERE I AM: Art by Great Women festival.
Gathering four prominent female artists from around Australia – Aretha Brown, Kaff-eine, Jane Gillings, and Claire Martin – the women will discuss their art and area of activism, sharing powerful ideas, diverse perspectives and inspiring action.
The ticketed conference will run from 2pm to 7pm and comprises individual artist talks and Q&A sessions, followed by a group panel discussion and Q&A moderated by Genevieve Jacobs, an afternoon tea, and finishing with an hour-long networking and wine tasting (courtesy of Lerida Estate) in aMBUSH Gallery.
Art Activism by Great Women Conference is free of charge for students, with three ticketing options available for members of the general public: Conference and Networking $50, Conference Only $35, or Networking Only $15. This is a unique opportunity to access socially conscious leaders in an intimate setting and tickets will sell fast, so secure your spot via Eventbrite here.
The event is a celebration of these game-changing Australian women who use art to speak out about the change they wish to make in the world, and have overcome barriers to pursue their goals. It is presented by Kambri at ANU and curated and produced by aMBUSH Gallery.
Bill Dimas, the co-founder of aMBUSH Gallery, says, “HERE I AM: Art by Great Women has been an incredible opportunity to showcase the world class talent we have in Australia from multiple creative disciplines, and this conference is yet another opportunity to showcase and celebrate the efforts made by artists to bring awareness and justice to important causes affecting humanity. Activism stems from care and love, and is service to others. The women featured in the conference have done great service to others through important work that will inspire and awaken everyone’s spirit so we may become better versions of ourselves.”
Aretha Brown
Aretha is a strong Gumbaynggirr woman who describes herself as a “painter, decolonizer, dreamboat”. In 2017, she delivered an impassioned speech at the Invasion Day Rally in Melbourne, fighting to make Indigenous history education mainstream. Aretha’s delivery and ideas lead her to be elected as Prime Minister of the National Indigenous Youth Parliament, the youngest person — and the first woman — to hold this position. She is committed to creating pathways to champion young mob. Aretha is also an accomplished artist who has shown works at the National Gallery of Victoria and is currently studying painting at the Victorian College of the Arts.
Claire Martin
Claire began her career in Social Work, but changed her focus to photography when she realised that change can also be effected through this medium. She has since focused her lens on marginalised communities within prosperous nations, creating works that blend the genres of documentary, art and photography. The impact behind Claire’s photographs comes from her critical analysis of sociocultural and ecological relationships, and her drive to simplify and communicate these ideas to the public through complex and bold single images.
Kaff-eine
Melbourne-based lawyer turned street artist Kaff-eine combines creativity with a strong social conscience, making art and film projects with communities around the world and inviting audiences to engage with social and political issues. Kaff-eine’s recent projects include the collaborative ‘Phoenix’ and ‘Happyland’ art exhibitions, installations and award-winning documentaries with residents living in Manila’s notorious dumpsite slums, and ‘Infinite Thanks’, a travelling participatory exhibition about LGBTQI gratitude, honouring rainbow deities and sharing LGBTQI stories of thankfulness.
Jane Gillings
Jane is a multidisciplinary artist with over thirty years of experience as an exhibiting, practicing artist and educator. Her work ranges from large-scale sculptural installations to detailed drawings, which often reflects her relationship with the planet and deep connection with the small community in which she lives. As an educator, Jane has worked with at-risk people, those with different abilities, mental health issues, homelessness and drug and alcohol issues. She currently runs weekly art sessions in her home studio for school aged children, as well as occasional free community art sessions.
For more information visit kambri.com.au and follow Kambri at ANU and aMBUSH Gallery on Facebook and Instagram.
Parking is available at the ANU Kambri Union Court car park, with complimentary parking on the weekends for up to three hours.
Art Activism by Great Women Conference is one of the closing events of the HERE I AM: Art by Great Women festival, inspired by the Know My Name movement and in a cultural partnership between Kambri at ANU, aMBUSH Gallery and the National Gallery of Australia.
The conference will be opened with a Welcome to Country by Wally Bell, Ngunnawal man and Chair of the Buru Ngunnawal Aboriginal Corporation, with an introduction by Bill Dimas, Co-Director of aMBUSH Gallery.
The event will be organised in compliance with ANU guidelines and ACT Government COVID-19 restrictions.
Date: Sunday 28 March 2021
Time: 2pm until 7pm (including afternoon tea and networking drinks)
Location: Conference in the T2 space (Level 2, Kambri Cultural Centre) with networking function in aMBUSH Gallery
About Kambri at ANU
Kambri at ANU is located in Australia's capital city, Canberra. Their strong ties to the local area are reflected in the gifting of the name ‘Kambri’ by elders from the ACT’s four Indigenous communities. The Kambri precinct will be known as a hub for innovation and knowledge, while also providing a welcoming space for the greater Canberra community to gather. Facilities and services include: a multi-storey medical centre; 24-hour pool and gymnasium; a culture and events building hosting theatre, concerts and functions; a unique laneway and lawn retail experience with dozens of independent food and beverage operators, plus abundant greenscapes where students, staff, families and city workers alike can relax, reflect and be inspired. Kambri’s year-round calendar of events and activations will ensure it offers an engaging and eclectic environment, delivered within a village atmosphere.
About aMBUSH
aMBUSH Gallery – an initiative of Wiltshire + Dimas – is an award-winning art gallery, social enterprise and creative placemaker that thrives on operating outside the parameters of a traditional gallery. They curate and produce arts and cultural activities both in Australia and overseas, with a program of site-specific, project-based art activations stemming from a unique fusion of philanthropic and commercial impulses that engage audiences, provide sustainable futures for artists, and establish a strong presence for their partners. Their newest exhibition space at the ANU’s new Kambri campus is a modern, world-class facility renowned for its focus on innovation and excellence.
