Gunnedah Shire Council is calling for submissions for its annual NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition, which will celebrate 50 years of the 'Deadly' theme. Artists, hobbyists, schools, and community members are invited to submit works in any medium, including weaving, wood etching, metal work, dot painting, and decorated didgeridoos. A free workshop for First Nations women, led by emerging artist Hollie Crawford, will be held on 9 May to help participants create pieces for the exhibition. Entries are due from 22 to 28 June at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, with the exhibition running from 3 July to 7 August.
This exhibition matters because it marks a half-century of National NAIDOC Week, a significant milestone for celebrating First Nations cultures and histories. By encouraging broad community participation—from daycare centers to elderly residents—the event fosters intergenerational connection and cultural expression. The inclusion of a dedicated workshop for First Nations women, supported by federal funding, underscores efforts to amplify Indigenous voices in the visual arts and ensure the tradition continues for future generations.