Yapurra Art Exhibition
Indigenous artists’ works to be showcased in a new and exciting exhibition, Yarpurra.
PERTH'S WEST END IS HOSTING AN EXHIBITION OF INDIGENOUS ART FROM ACROSS WA. The Yarpurra Exhibition converts a retail space on Hay Street into a six-week showcase of the many emerging voices coming from the desert regions of Western Australia. Yarpurra (West in Martu) is presented by Activate Perth in partnership with Lotterywest. This project speaks to Activate Perth’s Fill This Space programme by filling empty retail spaces with events and activations. Curator Emilia Galati has reached out to her extensive network and created a cohesive exhibition.
Speaking at the launch of the exhibition Ms Galati said “I am so thrilled to be collaborating with Activate Perth to create opportunities for emerging artists across the state. There are over 25 art centres in WA supporting many diverse arts communities, however, there are limited commercial spaces in Perth CBD.
Running from 19 September to 27 October, Yapurra is a celebration of the many emerging voices coming from different regions of Western Australia. Featuring painted works on canvas, textiles, jewellery and carved wooden objects, the exhibition presents a unique snapshot of contemporary art practice.
Works have been sourced from Aboriginal owned art centres Maruku Arts and Martumili Artists with proceeds from sales going back to the artists.“After many years as an arts business consultant, I am passionate about innovation in the arts creating new ways to engage the public and support artists’ endeavours at all levels of their careers. Activate Perth does great work in drawing these connections and forging pathways for access and inclusion in the arts,” Ms Galati noted.
Working with Activate Perth, managing agent, JLL, identified the space at 915 Hay Street as ideal for an exhibition of this kind. “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase emerging First Nations artists, in a beautiful heritage building at 915 Hay Street. JLL is honoured to partner with Activate Perth and our client, Redhill Partners, in our shared commitment to facilitate CBD activation wherever possible,” commented JLL’s Senior Director, Portfolio Manager – Commercial, Katherine Cromie.
Building owner Redhill Partners has provided the space at no cost to the artists. “Redhill Partners were thrilled with JLL’s recommendation to collaborate with Activate Perth, which provided a remarkable opportunity to fuse culture and architecture whilst activating the entrance to our main office tower at 905 Hay Street,” Redhill Partners’ Director Daniel Johnston said.
Activate Perth Board Chair Kristi Dempster welcomed the support for Yapurra, noting that this collaboration was a true partnership that reflected the value of the Fill This Space program.
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