The entrance to the Western Plains Cultural Centre has been transformed with the unveiling of the new Scoreboard artwork that will take pride of place for the next 12 months.
The artwork titled Yindamarra Darrambal Binjang Program! Three paths, One Purpose is by artist Asher Milgate in collaboration with the Jeff Amatto: More Cultural Rehabs Less Jails organisation and the young people involved in the Darrambal and Binjang programs.
Artist Asher Milgate said it was significant to have the work positioned at the front of the Western Plains Cultural Centre, where it can be seen by the wider community.
"It creates visibility not just for the artwork, but for More Cultural Rehabs Less Jails, the young people involved and the positive work happening through the programs," Mr Milgate said.
"I hope it encourages dialogue around the importance of these programs and becomes another step toward recognition, support and coming together in a positive way.
"The artwork was created through collaborative workshops with the More Cultural Rehabs Less Jails programs, where we talked, listened, explored light and looked at how it shapes perception," Mr Milgate said.
The artwork is about presence, identity, resilience and connection to place. It brings together portraits made through the workshops and a focused photoshoot, with particular attention to the eyes as a powerful point of presence.
"Using the light available to us, the young people created portraits with intention and presence. The final artwork has grown directly from those shared moments, conversations and the trust built through the process," Mr Milgate said.
Dubbo Regional Council Arts and Culture Manager, Jessica Moore said the Scoreboard project is a unique initiative that provides the local art community the opportunity to expand their artistic practice and develop an artwork in a collaborative setting with a local organisation.
"We look forward to seeing the community engage with the artwork over the coming 12 months and are sure it will create conversations and raise awareness of the positive work happening in our region," Ms Moore said.
The Scoreboard project is an initiative that involves the selection of a local artist from within the Local Government Area, who will work with a community group to create an artwork. The project is funded by Create NSW.
