A new gallery dedicated to First Nations art and storytelling is officially open to locals and visitors in Ballarat, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison represented Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing to formally open the Perridak Arts Gallery on Mair Street. The gallery showcases more than 40 Aboriginal artists with ties to the Ballarat region as well as artists from across Australia.

The gallery features two spaces that celebrate First Nations art and support artists with a place to display and sell their art in the city centre.

It has been established by the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BADAC) and supports their goal to strengthen First Nations families in their local communities through health, social and community development programs.

The project has been made possible by a $200,000 investment from the Labor Government’s Living Local Fund, which is part of the Government’s Our Regions: Living Local Initiative.

The Living Local Fund is part of the Government’s record investment of more than $36 billion in regional and rural Victoria since 2015.

The Government is also supporting BADAC to build an Elders’ Independent Living Community in Ballarat, backed by a $2.6 million investment from its Regional Infrastructure Fund.

For more information about the Living Local Fund, visit https://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/living-local

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Perridak Art Gallery by BADAC will showcase Aboriginal art and culture in the heart of Ballarat and provide a place for local artists to display and sell their art.”

“Perridak, meaning platypus in Wadawurrung, will be an inclusive and welcoming gallery space for community members enabling to develop a greater understanding of Aboriginal storytelling, art and culture.”

Quotes attributable to BADAC Chief Executive Officer Karen Heap

“Art is a connection to, and expression of, Aboriginal culture. Art is a way the whole community can connect to Aboriginal stories and our ways of seeing the world, in all its richness and variety.”

“I’m encouraging everyone to visit Perridak Arts, enjoy Aboriginal culture and support our local artists.”