Join Umbrella and key contributors to the People, Culture & Country 2024: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Project for a discussion about the project, the outcomes and the artworks on display. The panelists will include Allison Hoolihan, Christina Papadimitriou, Bernadette Russell and a teacher from one of the participating schools. This is a brilliant opportunity to hear more about the wearable artwork, Cultural sharing and collaboration that are integral to this inspirational program.

People, Culture & Country is on display 1 November - 15 December 2024. 

This event is free and bookings are not required. Read more about the exhibition, broader project and explore additional public programs here. 

People, Culture & Country 2024: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Project is an initiative of the Department of Education, North Queensland Region. This project is supported by the Queensland Government though Arts Queensland; Townsville City Galleries – Townsville City Council; and by Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts. 

Allison Hoolihan is a Gugu Badhun woman and practicing local artist with experience across a variety of mediums.  Her most recent work includes her contribution to the PCC Project over the past four years, and being a stallholder at the local markets. Allison draws her inspiration from life and her connections to past, present and future.

Christina Papadimitriou has been an art educator since 2003. She is passionate about fostering creativity in young people. As project manager of People, Culture & Country, she leads a dedicated team in supporting First Nations students across North Queensland to create wearable artworks that celebrate and share their culture with the wider community.

Bernadette Russell proudly identifies as both Australian Aboriginal and  South Sea Islander. Her love for art, inspired by her mother, has grown since childhood. Bernadette studied art at TAFE and in Spain, and this passion, alongside her floristry skills, led her to use natural and recycled materials. She is thrilled to see children come alive when they create something meaningful from seemingly nothing.