TIJMARI SANDERSON- MILERA

Kumarninth Aboriginal Art Program and Immersive Cultural Experiences in Schools

Settling in at a local café after arriving on his skateboard, Tjimari shared his creative journey that started in a friend’s home studio when he was a young teenager, where he learnt how to create silk paintings and ceramics. Tjimari has continued his creative journey creating silk paintings ever since. A year ago, Tjimari turned his passion for culture and art into a business, Kumarninth, where he shares stories and creative techniques with school students.

Tell me about your business

I started the business about 12 months ago Unfortunately, Aboriginal History isn’t a key element of the Australian curriculum, so, I thought I could create a program where I could go out to the schools and share useful and correct information about Aboriginal culture. There is also an arts component to my business, where we do silk painting workshops, murals, show people Aboriginal art and why it is important, the importance of not culturally appropriating someone’s or a groups artwork and engage students in a fun and active environment.

How does it connect creatively with the local community?

In addition to schools I work with community organisations every now and then who engage me to deliver workshops, such as silk painting artworks, that provide a different avenue for me to be out in the community.

Are there any early signs for what is working well?

The silk painting, as it is different and unique and able to engage in Aboriginal art through a contemporary form so that brings in a lot of people. I can’t tell you how many silk paintings I have created over the last year. In the last week I have created nine silk paintings measuring 2x1 metres and I use habotai silk for the main fabric so the final product is amazing,

What is the hope for Kumarninthi’s future?

I am looking at a few different things around how to implement some of my educational programs to online platforms. It is still just an idea at this stage. Growing the silk painting workshops, bringing out new designs and new structures, it is still very early days and I will be sitting down to think about the plan for the next 12 months.

What actions would you like to see included in an ambitious arts and culture plan for our city?

Actively engaging a lot more with the Aboriginal community in terms of the arts sector, whether that is visual art, music or dance. There is a lot to offer such as pop up shows in Henley Square or brightening up the council area with lots of murals https://kumarninthi.com.au/

Both times I have worked with Council I have found it pretty smooth, in terms of submitting a Creative Cities grant or a quote and design concept. The application process itself is straight forward and the communication was good. A lot of artists wouldn’t know the grants are there Maybe a link on the website with potential sites that could be brightened up or artists could do something, then they can go and check it out before putting in an application and see what spot suits them.

How might we ensure diverse stories are heard?

Something as simple as organising community nights where the community could come along to an event held by the Council where they get to learn a bit more about silk painting, education session, dance, could be a great way to actively bring the community together to engage with each other as well.

If running an event, ask the artist how they would like to run their session and what works best for them when delivering to make sure they are getting the best engagement for the community. We need to listen to the artists to get the best engagement as possible and to support artist led events.

Key Messages

Storytelling is a valuable way in which we connect, learn from and understand each other, our land and our history. Through stories we create a sense of belonging and identity.

Culture is created by community. Artist led projects and initiatives offer unique and creative ways to connect, challenge or inspire our community and provide creative solutions to challenges facing our neighbourhoods.

Questions

How can we more authentically and creatively engage with our local Kaurna community?

How can we better value, develop and support artist’s unique contribution?

How might we ensure diverse stories are heard?