For immediate release
August 24, 2015
Aboriginal artists celebrated in new Gallery
From the Red Center to the Sapphire Coast, a sensational collection of art and gifts has a permanent home at
Tilba’s new business, Apma Creations Aboriginal Art Gallery & Gift Shop.
Owner and artist Merryn Apma is excited about launching her dream business, with special guest, former AFL
star and Aboriginal leader Michael Long on August 29 at 17 Corkhill Drive, Central Tilba, 4-6pm.
‘My business will eventually be passed on to my family, my children and grandchildren. I wanted to create
something that would give hope, an outlet and a voice for my people, through the arts. The Tilba community
have been wonderfully supportive’, Merryn said.
Jazz Williams from South East Arts has worked alongside Merryn, who is a talented artist in her own right, for
over a year, assisting with business and creative development for the Gallery which will showcase Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander artists and creative producers from all over Australia, including local Yuin artists
Sonya Naylor, Alan Solomon, Cheryl Davison, Lee Cruse and Natalie Bateman. The Gallery & Gift Shop will be
open for trade at the launch, and officially open to the public on the following Wednesday. Regular hours will
be Wednesday to Sunday, ten til four pm, expanding to seven days a week in the September school holidays.
‘Apma Creations Aboriginal Art Gallery & Gift Shop will contribute significantly to tourism in the region, and
provide great opportunities for local artists and community engagement’, Jazz said.
Merryn worked in Aboriginal Affairs for over 30 years and has spent her life advocating for and empowering
her people. She served as Director of the Long Walk Foundation for six years with Michael Long, and cofounded the Long Walk Women’s Luncheon in 2004, a key national annual event and proponent of
reconciliation.
Michael Long is one of the most recognisable Aboriginal figures in AFL football. He played for the Essendon
Football Club between 1989 and 2001, was a member of two premiership sides and the winner of the 1993
Norm Smith Medal. After returning home from yet another Aboriginal funeral, Michael decided that
something needed to be done about the plight of his people. He took it upon himself to get Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander issues back on the national agenda and resolved to meet with Prime Minister John
Howard to discuss his concerns, even if he had to walk all the way to Canberra to do it.
Michael was joined on the road by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal supporters from all over Australia. Some
walked in support for an hour, some for a day and some took the journey all the way to Canberra. Merryn
Apma was one of the four original walkers with Michael who made it all the way to the Capital.
Merryn was taken from her mother when she was a child and raised by a non-Aboriginal family in Geelong,
Victoria. As an adult, Merryn returned to her tribal lands in the Northern Territory to be reunited with many
family members who travelled miles from communities to meet and welcome her. She had found what was
missing in her life as a member of the stolen generation: her people, her culture, her land. There began her
spiritual and artistic journey, which is reflected in her vibrant artwork.
Merryn has received many awards for her relentless work on behalf of her people, including the Bicentennial
Medal for her contribution to the Aboriginal Community (2001).
Apma Creations Art Gallery & Gift Shop will be a valuable addition to the cultural landscape of the South East,
stocking high quality artwork, jewellery, sculptures, stationary, traditional tools, didgeridoos, clothing and
various gifts. Special guests the Djaadjawan Dancers and Dale Huddleston and the Riverbank Band will provide
entertainment at the launch.
Contact Jazz Williams (South East Arts) on 0497 281 464 or email acceo@southeastarts.org.au