The art group was initially started as a community project in 2005 with a view to developing a permanent art space that would provide local and regional artists with a venue to work and showcase their creative and artistic talents with the community.

The group approached the Employment Training and Participation Team at UnitingCare Wesley in Port Pirie in 2008 seeking assistance to develop the necessary skills to establish a social enterprise around producing and promoting indigenous art.

With support from UnitingCare Wesley Port Pirie, SA Works, the Southern Flinders Regional Development Board and Community Benefits SA, members are working toward Certificate 2 in business whilst producing a body of artworks.

The group has now created a marketing identity and is known as Mpulaarra Art meaning, “When the rain clears the rainbow appears”.

The exhibition represents the group’s first public gallery showing and throughout the duration of the exhibition, a selection of participating artists will be in residence to respond to questions regarding the nature and interpretation of the works.

Project Officers, Lianne Porter and Maryanne Scrutton, are keen to encourage any indigenous artists interested in pursuing their artistic ability in a variety of mediums, to contact UnitingCare Wesley Port Pirie where support and guidance will be provided.

PHOTO: FINE ART… An Aboriginal art exhibition is being held in the Laura Courthouse Gallery throughout January and February courtesy of the Rocky River Historic and Art Society Inc. Admiring the artwork is committee member of the society, Paul Slattery.