Nikki Browne is a First Nations Bidjara artist and educator with many years of experience; she combines her love of culture, art, and education through her programs. I am a mother of one, kinship carer of three. I am a daughter and a sister. Most people would know of Carnarvon Gorge in Queensland, which is in the middle of my Country. I take my inspiration from my Grandmother Heather Williams (nee Prince) Nikki is my guest around 8.10am.
Growing up we were always out in the environment foraging collecting and talking about the beauty and importance of respecting and nurturing the country around us. To this day I still enjoy going bush, I can feel the energy of my ancestors and am guided to different areas and items around me, to always look up into the foliage for habitats and down on the ground to check for scats and footprints.
I’m not always sure when directed to a piece what it will become, I just feel so connected to it that I’m unable to leave it behind. Other times animals’ faces and stories jump out at me and I know straight away what my work is going to be. Most of my stories are teaching stories based on morals that can be used for different situations or connect with different people on very different levels for many different personal reasons.
I love it when people connect with my sculptures or stories.
Celebrated indigenous singer-songwriter, Kutcha Edwards, and virtuoso didgeridoo performer, Ganga Giri, will be the headline acts as McClelland hosts a free family cultural day on Sunday 7 May to celebrate First Nations community across the south east of Melbourne.
As well as live performances, there’ll be guest speakers, market stalls, a Funky Farm display for the kids and a free sausage sizzle, supported by Rotary Frankston Sunrise.
McClelland executive director, Lisa Byrne, says everyone is welcome at this free, family friendly event at McClelland’s beautiful sculpture park and gallery, 390 McClelland Drive Langwarrin, 12 noon to 5pm, Sunday 7 May.
“Join us for an afternoon of celebration, empowerment, and education as we showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures in our natural bushland setting.
“McClelland is pleased to acknowledge the Bunurong people of the South-Eastern Kulin Nation as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we are placed.
We have an ongoing commitment to raising awareness of and celebrating First Nations Peoples' culture and wisdom through our public programming. “Our Celebrating First Nations at McClelland event promises to be inspiring, informative, and an enjoyable afternoon for all the family,” Ms Byrne said.
The event is sponsored by Service Stream. Admission is FREE. Accessibility/amenities: Events will take place in the grounds at the front of McClelland, amongst native bushland and sculpture. Visitors will also have access to the gallery and Harrys Café. McClelland is wheelchair accessible.