'Keep the Fire Burning' Exhibition Tour and talk by artist

Experience First Nations cultural knowledge and stories from the ‘Keep the Fire Burning’ exhibition at the Coal Loader with Wiradjuri artist Nathan Mudyi Sentance. During this tour, you will be guided through the exhibition and immersed in cultural stories and art relating to fire. The tour will run every hour from 10am-1pm. Bookings essential and limited. Please book you tour time.

Please wear walking shoes.

About Nathan

Nathan “mudyi” Sentance is a Wiradjuri writer who explores First Nations history and culture through a decolonial lens. He currently holds the role of Head of Collections, First Nations at the Powerhouse. His writing has previously featured in The Guardian, British Art Studies, Cordite Poetry, and Sydney Review of Books.

Also Available on this day

Drop in weave and yarn with Exhibition Curator, 26 October 2024, 11am-1pm

Join Noongar weaver and ‘Keep the fire burning’ exhibition curator Jodie Dowd for a drop in weaving circle at the Coal Loader. Jodie will be available from 11am-1pm to share stories from the exhibition and share her weaving practice. Participants are invited to sit and weave a bracelet and ask questions about the exhibition. No registrations required.

About the Exhibition- 'Keep the Fire Burning' 10.00- 3.30pm

Cleanse, protect, renew - the flames of fire bear witness through this First Nations community art exhibition at the Coal Loader on Cammeraygal Country during spring 2024.

North Sydney Council is proud to present Keep the Fire Burning, a First Nations community art exhibition taking place on Cammeraygal Country this spring.

Running from 12 October to 3 November 2024, this free exhibition will explore the transformative and enduring power of fire in First Nations culture, art and storytelling in Tunnel One of the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability

Taking its title from the 2024 NAIDOC theme Keep the Fire Burning, the exhibition breathes life into stories both new and old. Curated by Jodie Dowd, this exhibition features works of eight First Nations artists who have used the fire element into their creations or stories.

Fire forms a central part of each artwork. Fire was used to eco-dye silks and weavings for the collaborative artwork by First Nations community members, stories of passion are shared through sounds and moving images, and forms have been forged through flames to create glass works and designs on possum skin cloaks.

Visitors will experience a rich tapestry of artworks that cleanse, protect, and renew, reflecting the deep connection between fire and First Nations traditions.

Alongside the exhibition, a series of public programs will also take place, including tours, artist talks, and hands-on workshops. These programs will provide deeper insights into the cultural significance of the artworks and offer opportunities for visitors to engage directly with the artists and their creative processes.

Curated by Jodie Dowd, the artists featured in Keep the Fire Burning include:

Amanda Jane Reynolds
Dr. Virginia Keft
Kieran Satour
Lucy Simpson
Nathan Mudyi Sentance
Dr. Emma Hicks
Courtney Marsh-Currie
Amethyst Downing-McLeod

This exhibition invites the community to engage with the profound cultural significance of fire in First Nations art and to reflect on its role as a catalyst for change, healing, and continuity.

Keep the Fire Burning is a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between land, community, and culture.

Exhibition is open for viewing Thursday to Sunday only (10am-3.30pm)