Grant Award View - GA174350
Makassar - Yirrkala Connection: Voices From Makassar
This is a creative project that engages with themes of identity, trade and cultural exchange through artistic practice between Makassar - Indigenous Australia in Arnhem Land. It aims to provide digital comic and interactive storytelling program about Makassan people's collective memories of the voyages to Arnhem Land which took place from 1700s to early 1900s. Vibrant trade routes existed prior to any European trade in Australia. Following Makassar - Yirrkala artist exchange and exhibition held in Makassar in 2018 and 2019, Rumata' is now focusing on "virtual encounters" that require less contact and less travel. The digital comic and storytelling programs will provide access for audience in Indonesia and Australia to learn about the the shared-history and culture through online platforms. A group of researchers, writers and visual artists will develop the digital content based on Australian historian, Peter Spillet's journal during his visit to Makassar and Arnhem Land.