The Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place (ACCKP) are proud to announce the opening of ‘Tiddas’ celebrating resilience on big water, big sky Country and honours the strength of storytelling.
Exhibiting from 20 February 2026 to 10 April 2026, this group exhibition brings together award-winning Gumbaynggirr artist, Alison Williams, former gallery owner and Gomeroi artist, Donna Moodie, and mid-career Gumbaynggirr artist, Josie Rose Atkinson (Flanders-Kelly). Connected through the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre on Gumbaynggirr Country, the artists invite the audience into conversations about storytelling, modern themes, ancient oral traditions and celebration of the ongoing narratives of resilience and culture.
The Gumbaynggirr word, yarrawarra, means happy gathering place of the Gumbaynggirr people. The area has key significance for the local Gumbaynggirr people who continue to keep the oral traditions of the area alive and honour the recent history and the darker chapters for the Gumbaynggirr people and fellow Country women and men.
“Our gratitude is deeply with the ACCKP and with the greatest of respect, it is with open hearts, open minds and joyful spirits that we share parts of our lived experience in artworks. We hope you engage with the exhibition and talk about matters at the heart of self-representation, creative expression, art and culture. It is in these intersections that we discover new knowledge and gain deeper awareness of what is happening in beautiful Frost Country.”
Alison Williams is a strong Gumbaynggirr woman, an award-winning artist, curator, cultural heritage spokesperson and community member. Born in Sydney in 1968 she grew up around Wollongong but always harboured a feeling of belong her mother’s family and country, the northern lowlands of Gumbaynggirr Nation.
She has always been a spokesperson for the cultural heritage of Australian First Nations people and involves herself in the education and communication of culture through dance, sculpture, artwork and community leadership. Alison’s passion is to create greater engagement and understanding of the rich cultural heritage of Australia through traditional and contemporary presentations within the general community of Australia and beyond.
“I often see my role [as a Gumbaynggirr woman/artist/curator] as holding the lantern to enable people to see or be seen. I use that analogy to describe the responsibilities that underpin my roles within the arts and culture sector. I’ve had many leadership roles within the community, and I’ve always sought and appreciated advice from my Elders and industry mentors.
…Art is a great communicator; you don’t even need to speak the same language. I’ve worked within the arts as a means of expression throughout my entire life. It’s a big part of who I am.”
Donna Moodie is a Gomeroi/ Gamilraay/ Kamilaroi woman and subject matter expert. Born in Gunnedah in 1960, her artwork reflects natural landscapes, Dreaming stories and political events. As a Subject Matter Expert, she contributes to the co-design, development and facilitation of the blended and online learning content in relation rural, regional and remote students. She is highly sought after for her skills and advice in Indigenous leadership and is a recognised knowledge holder.
“As an Indigenous woman, I wanted to express the dislocation I felt from my cultural heritage and my place in the community. My images depict hope in the future for Indigenous people and send a message calling for balance and harmony within our communities and among all Australians.”
“My interests revolve around all aspects of Indigenous culture including promoting cultural heritage through the Arts. I use art to explain Indigenous peoples' connection to land while promoting sustainable economic development within natural resource management constraints.
In this way I can uphold what is important to Indigenous people, caring for Country, and I believe we can do this by providing learning opportunities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.”
Josie Rose Atkinson (Flanders-Kelly) is a proud Gumbaynggirr artist from Coffs Harbour whose vibrant, detailed artworks reflect her deep connection to wajaarr (Country) and guunuwaygam (life). Her signature technique and style tells stories of culture, community and environment. She infuses her storytelling with abstract art combined with Goori line work, dotting, symbolism and bold colours to share her love for Country and passion for bringing people together through art.
Also check out other Arts events in Armidale, Exhibitions in Armidale.
