ABOUT EGAAC
History - 1997-2007
East Gippsland Aboriginal Arts Corporation (EGAAC) was established in the early 1990's by a group of enthusiastic and energised Koori artists and performers who were seeking to develop their skills and showcase their culture and talents.
A Formation Committee was established which included artists from across the region. Elders offered guidance and support from the outset and a key principle from the earliest days was to ensure independence and self determination over all aspects of arts practice.
After much commitment and work EGAAC was 'born' and formally incorporated on April 9th, 1997. EGAAC employed an Aboriginal Arts Worker and received funding from ATSIC and the Australia Council for Arts. As the agency grew, other funding bodies were willing to sponsor a range of highly successful events during the ensuing ten years.
With the assistance of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, EGAAC purchased our own building in Bairnsdale and as a result now have a long-term, stable base which incorporates offices, a gallery and a workshop. Our gallery enables locals and tourists to view, appraise and purchase a range of works and enjoy a unique local cultural experience as they are escorted through the gallery.
Artists from EGAAC continue to be encouraged and assisted to exhibit locally, nationally and internationally. Our artists have been included in the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards, National Aboriginal Telstra Awards and National Indigenous Heritage Art Awards.
Works from EGAAC artists are in the collections of the National Museum in Canberra, National Gallery of Victoria, Koori Heritage Trust, Bunjilaka at the Melbourne Museum and several government departments such as Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.
EGAAC continues to build on our established and respected history of offering successful programs which encourage and enable local artists to develop a distinctive and original style incorporating traditional markings and contemporary design.
Work produced is as unique, colourful, traditional, rich and beautiful as its makers. The diversity of work produced enables us to access a range of markets in the tourism market, fine art market and the craft market.
We currently receive core operational funding from DCITA (Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts) and from the Australia Council for the Arts. Other funding is requested for specific projects on a needs and availability basis.
EGAAC continues to play a crucial role in the development and promotion of the Victorian Aboriginal art industry and proudly showcases EGAAC as an example of Koori enterprise.
During 2007, EGAAC celebrated ten years of incorporation.
EGAAC has 130 members indicating a high level of local support by the Koori community of East Gippsland.
The Organisation has always been 100% Aboriginal owned and operated and remains the only Aboriginal Artists Corporation in Victoria. EGAAC operates under an all Aboriginal Committee of Management employing an Executive Officer, a Program Coordinator, a Marketing and Exhibitions Coordinator, an Office Coordinator and a range of consultants as required.
Our past, present and future mission is to proudly support and enable the production of South Eastern Victorian Aboriginal art, craft and performance created and made by Aboriginal residents of the East Gippsland region of Victoria - Gunai/Kurnai traditional land.
As we move into our second decade, we are assured that our reputation is strong, our product worthy and our aspirations integral.
Executive Officer: Danny Waters
Marketing & Exhibition Coordinator: Joan Kinnon
Studio & Gallery
Situated in Bairnsdale we have an Art Gallery which is open to the public. The Gallery holds regular exhibitions featuring individual artists or group shows.
A work studio is on the same location where some artists prefer to create their work, meetings are held, ideas exchanged and stories told.
There are times when men gather to make artifacts and pass onto the younger ones these skills.
Our premises are open business hours throughout the year, visitors are encouraged to view our work, buy or browse and enjoy a unique and informative cultural experience.
Statewide, Interstate and Overseas inquiries are encouraged.