The heart of Shepparton will thrum with creativity and collaboration this month as local artisans amass at the First Nations Creative Business Gathering.
On Wednesday, November 27, the gathering promises an afternoon filled with yarning, networking, and support at The Connection in Shepparton.
For those interested in attending, consider this an appetiser of what’s to come.
Kaiela Arts, in partnership with TOPSOIL Art, has organised an inspiring palette of a program, blending short talks and presentations from esteemed First Nations creatives and businesspeople.
This includes a panel discussion titled ‘Secrets of the Trade’, led by writer and curator Chloe Jones.
She will be joined by Emrhan Tjapanangka Sultan from Solid Lines, Tahnee Edwardes from Gammin’ Threads, and Chris Warrior from Wiru Drone Solutions.
Together, they will discuss their experiences establishing successful businesses in fashion, retail, visual arts, design, cultural mapping, and drone operations.
After participating as a panellist, Mr Warrior will return to host ‘Who's in the Room’, showcasing various local First Nations businesses and their support organisations, Kinaway and Many Rivers.
Additionally, a workshop titled ‘How to Become a Supplier’, led by Liz Allen of Liz Allen Consultancy, will provide actionable insights for those looking to engage with government contracts.
A delicious light lunch courtesy of Yurri Catering, Shepparton’s only First Nations-owned catering business, will be provided to guests as they connect and collaborate.
Ms Jones lauded the attentive organisation of the event, touching on its importance in being held in her hometown of Yorta Yorta Country.
“It’s a powerful step towards providing safe spaces where First Nations people can gather, celebrate, and share not just cultural but professional knowledge in ways that are truly meaningful and could benefit our communities,” she said.
“They (events like this) are essential for preserving our heritage in contemporary spaces and contexts, and they allow us to shake narrow views of what it means to be Indigenous today.
“We need more people to understand that Indigenous peoples have always been evolving, and just because we enter new contemporary spaces or practices doesn’t make us any less “Indigenous”.”
This event is supported by Riverlinks and the Greater Shepparton City Council’s Creative City Strategy.
The First Nations Creative Business Gathering is on Wednesday, November 27, from noon to 3pm at The Connection, 7287 Midland Hwy, Shepparton.
To register for the free event, visit events.humanitix.com/first-nations-creative-business-gathering