Jessica Skeen McKinnon – Jessica and others have participated in a three-year Creative Community Development Program (CCDP) at the Birrunga Gallery in Brisbane under mentor artist Birrunga Wiradyuri.

The Program proudly presents the “Bridging Heritage with Innovation” touring exhibition. This exhibit culminates the CCDP artistic and cultural endeavours promoted by the CCDP. The tour features a mix of traditional Indigenous artworks and digital innovations.

An application to the Community Benefits Program: Cultural Impact and Wellbeing was submitted to the Wiri Yuwiburra Community Benefits Trust (WYCBT). The funding requested supported the purchase of canvases, paint and brushes required to create artwork.

“The colonisation exhibition is the first show where I’ve sat down and painted a series of 6 artworks, and what a ride it has been. To tackle some of these works and capture the stories that eventuated was, at times, a little challenging, to say the least. It was probably the first time that I’ve taken the approach of not painting for an audience but more importantly painting solely from a place of feeling and storytelling.

I am really proud of the works that emerged and the stories and history they each share. I cannot wait to see the entire exhibition showcased together and the impact it will make in the wider community.”