Benalla Art Gallery is hosting a community weekend of events to mark the end of its Bush Diwan exhibition, inspired by the story of Siva Singh.
The community event is held in partnership with the Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Sydney, which was involved in the exhibition.
The weekend of culture, art, performance, learning and community celebration celebrates the legacy of community gathering, inspired by Siva Singh’s bringing together of Sikhs on his Baddaginnie property in December 1920.
The exhibiting artists will deliver Phulkari (Punjabi textile and embroidery) workshops, talks unpacking their respective practices, Day Dream and Poetry workshops, and a performance of Anindita Banerjee’s Transient Temples work.
The program will start at 6.30am on Saturday, October 15 with a morning meditation session, which will include the Japji Sahib followed by kirtan (devotional music) performed by Granthis from the Shepparton Sikh Gurudwara.
From noon until 3pm on the Saturday, the community will be welcome to gather in the Botanical Gardens surrounding Benalla Art Gallery to be immersed in a curated selection of music, enjoy complementary Chai tea and mango lassi catered by Tandoori Hut Benalla, with the Nice Kurry Place food truck also on location for those wanting lunch.
Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said it was an extremely fitting way to conclude this important exhibition.
“The bringing together of community really resonates with the incredible life story of Siva Singh,” Mr Nash said.
“We’ve been very encouraged by the community response to the show, with more than 5300 visitors so far, including a number who have travelled to Benalla specifically to see the exhibition.”
Full program details are available via: benallaartgallery.com.au/community-weekend-bush-diwan/
Numbers are strictly limited. To secure your place, email the gallery at gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au