Jade Dolman with some of the participants.
Camera IconJade Dolman with some of the participants. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Interactive Belmont mural gets kids and parents hands-on with Aboriginal art

Jessica WarrinerSouthern Gazette

WITH paint at the ready and eager helpers at her side, artist Jade Dolman’s interactive mural in Belmont got kids and parents hands-on with Aboriginal art.

The workshop at Ruth Faulkner Public Library was part of the City’s Naidoc Week celebrations, with all welcome to take a seat and grab a brush.

The 22-year-old said it was fantastic to be able to teach Aboriginal culture in an interactive and fun way.

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“It does mean a lot to me, personally and to my family… anything to do with closing the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, I’m always 100 per cent keen for.

“This is just a really good way to educate non-Aboriginal people about Aboriginal culture and some issues that Aboriginal people deal with,” she said.

“For Aboriginal people, it gives us more pride in our culture, especially when I do projects with Aboriginal youth.

“It makes them own their own culture, rather than being ashamed of it (and) that’s a really big step.”

Ms Dolman is a Whadjuk/Balladong Noongar and Eastern Arrernte woman, and said her transition to art was initially a surprise.

“I first started painting after I finished high school and it was a way for me to connect with my Aboriginal identity.

“Just from that, I started selling paintings and then started teaching Aboriginal art and running workshops.

“The thing that drives me is I’m just passionate about sharing my culture, any way that I can do that.”

City of Belmont chief executive Stuart Cole said activities like Ms Dolman’s mural painting were an opportunity to bring community members together in celebrating Aboriginal culture, heritage and traditions.

“Encouraging children to be hands-on in an activity that encouraged understanding of indigenous art and culture is an important step in building meaningful and mutually respectful relationships in the Belmont community,” Mr Cole said.

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