Maningrida artists visit Paris

Five artists and two managers from Bábbarra Women’s Centre in Maningrida travelled to France to open their exhibition titled ‘Jarracharra’ at the Australian Embassy in September and October. 
The team travelled a great distance to get to Paris, where they spent three weeks meeting with fashion designers, fashion houses and other people in the design and art world in Europe. 
The Jarracharra exhibition was opened on October 3 with a huge audience from France as well as international attendees. The name means which means ‘dry season wind’ in the local Burarra language.
Bàbbarra’s Manager Ingrid Johanson and Assistant Manager Jessica Phillips curated the show.
In addition to the exhibition, the artists participated in interviews for international media, hosted a round table panel talk at Musée Quai Branly, visited French fashion boutiques and met with designers in Paris. They also had the opportunity to undertake tourist activities including riding a boat on the Siene, visiting Lascaux caves and even going to the top of the Eiffel Tower. 
Bábbarra Women’s Centre artist Janet Marawarr said the experience was incredible.
“I loved the restaurants in Paris, the trains, that tower. We took a boat on the river and just walking around seeing that place - the parks were beautiful, and the hotel too. We was eating snail - they tasted like our sea snails, the same as the ones we eat in Maningrida. In Maningrida we call them nonda and they live in the saltwater,” Janet said.

“We went to visit our new friend Martin (Grant). We learned how he makes clothes, bags. He was so excited to meet us and we were too happy to meet him. We went to Normandy that was good place there too. People in France were so happy to meet ladies from Maningrida. It was maybe their first time. I’m still thinking about my new Bábbarra design, I might even do that Eiffel tower. Happy to be home, but maybe next year I’ll go back to Paris one more time I’m thinking.”