From Maningrida to Paris

Six aboriginal women from the remote community of Maningrida will travel to France this October.
Bàbbarra Women’s Centre will present their artists work in Paris at the Australian Embassy this October.
The exhibition is titled Jarracharra, which means ‘dry season wind’ in the local Burarra language.
Bàbbarra’s Manager Ingrid Johanson and Assistant Manager Jessica Phillips have curated the show.
Jessica is one of a very small number of Indigenous female curators to emerge from a remote community.
“Jarracharra blows in from the stone country to the saltwater and brings with it the sign of change, the arrival of abundant bush food, new hunting seasons,” Jessica said.
“It is also a time for ceremony, song and cultural dance and we have selected work by around 12 women that shows these activities.
“Jarracharra blows across many language groups and song lines, and the group of women who have made the work for the exhibition represent some of those different clans.”
Ingrid Johanson said the Australia Council grant will go toward airfares and accommodation so some of the artists can travel to Paris to open the exhibition and undertake professional development.
“The women would like to perform their traditional dance and song lines at the exhibition opening, including Wurrurrumi song cycle belonging to Western Arnhem Land,” Ingrid said.
“This is the first time Indigenous textiles will have been exhibited at the Australian Embassy, and the Embassy staff are working hard to organise a busy program for the women’s time in Paris.” 
This exhibition coincides with the United Nations Year of Indigenous Language.
While The Australia Council announced funding for the Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) to assist with the costs associated with this trip, Bàbbarra have also arranged a fundraising campaign.
The crowdfunding will assist to cover other fundamental costs to make this project is possible.
You can help by donating at: https://www.chuffed.org/project/maningrida-to-paris