Ku Arts Symposium
Ku Arts brought together First Nations artists, art centres, curators, and cultural leaders from across Australia together at the 2025 Ku Arts Symposium.
Three dynamic panel-style discussions provided a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing, strengthening the networks that sustain Aboriginal-led arts practice. We are deeply grateful to the cultural leaders, artists, and arts professionals who generously shared - and to the audiences who listened.
The 2025 Ku Arts Symposium was presented in the Art Gallery of South Australia’s Courtyard, coinciding with Tarnanthi Festival. We are grateful to IVAIS ICIP, Art Gallery of South Australia, and Tarnanthi Festival whose support made the 2025 Ku Arts Symposium possible.
Image: Lavene Ngatokorua, Marita Baker, Pantjiti Lewis, Anne Thompson at the 2025 Ku Arts Symposium. Photo: Channel44.
PANEL 1: Sharing Stories
Sharing Stories explored the creative journeys of Marita Baker, Anne Thompson, and Imitjala Pantjiti Lewis.
The artists reflected on collaborative projects, from Painting on Country to intergenerational installations, discussing the significance of Tjukurpa, the process of working across family and community, and the ongoing impact of these works beyond the gallery walls. The conversation emphasised how First Nations storytelling, cultural practice, and creative innovation continue to evolve while sustaining tradition and empowering future generations.
PANEL 2: Regional Pathways
Collette Gray, Kristal Matthews, and Marli Macumba reflected on the impact of Ku Arts workshops on their practices, and the value of long-term partnerships.
Tarnanthi-funded workshops and Ku Arts programs allowed each of them to develop their practice on Country, learn to navigate barriers, and build sustainable careers. The discussion highlighted the importance of guidance, collaboration, and support networks in helping artists move from isolation to national platforms.
PANEL 3: Protecting Culture ICIP in Arts Practice
Stephanie Parkin with Jo-Anne Driessens and Mickey Barlow explored the meaning, significance, and protection of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).
Through lived experience, the discussion examined respect for ICIP in creative practice, challenges faced by artists and communities, limitations of current legislation, and aspirations for future government action. This session underscored the collective responsibility to safeguard First Nations cultural knowledge and ensure self-determination within the arts sector.
