After more than 16 years in Killcare, the iconic Bouddi Gallery – Contemporary Aboriginal Lifestyle Art will close its doors for the last time at the end of February.
From the end of March, clients of the gallery will be able to make purchases on its revamped website – bouddigallery.com.au
There will be a closing smoking ceremony by Girri Girra and a few words from Member for Robertson Gordon Reid at 3pm on Sunday, February 25, at the gallery.
Bouddi Gallery opened on Boxing Day 2007 with a special smoking ceremony and dance performances by First Nations people from Sydney.
The purpose of the gallery was to raise awareness of Indigenous culture by selling art produced at the not-for-profit Indigenous-owned art centres in remote Aboriginal communities.
Its merchandise range evolved to include products made under licensing arrangements with the art centres – items such as homewares and giftware, clothing and travel goods.
Over the years, the gallery has hosted visiting artists from remote communities, art centre exhibitions, art demonstrations, dance performances by NAISDA, film nights, guest speakers, book readings, talks and school visits.
Bouddi Gallery worked (and will continue to work) in collaboration with communities in the Kimberley, the Central and Western Deserts and Arnhem Land.
Its events enabled the community to learn about Indigenous history and culture directly from First Nations people.
Gallery owner Jody Deamer said she was extremely disappointed to be closing but it was no longer viable.
“I have been very moved by the many members of the community who have expressed their gratitude for what we achieved in the gallery – in terms of raising awareness and education,” she said.
“Aside from the regional and international visitors who returned to the gallery year after year, it’s been especially gratifying hearing the impact we’ve had on children, some of whom have been attending our events since they started school.
“Like many small businesses on the Central Coast that are doing it tough in the current financial climate, the gallery is no longer able to meet its overheads.”
However, by going online Bouddi Gallery will continue its support of not-for-profit Aboriginal owned art centres and there are plans to hold community pop-ups in Killcare on long weekends and summer holidays.
Everyone is welcome to attend the smoking ceremony on February 25.