The State Library of WA and Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s charitable Foundation are pleased to announce Yamaji Art as the preferred applicants to the Fellowship in the Yamaji region.

Yamaji Art in Geraldton represents artists from the Mid-West of Western Australia, known as Yamaji Country, and includes five cultural groups: Amangu, Nhanagardi, Naaguja, Badimaya, Wajarri and Wilunyu. Yamaji Art also represents Nyoongar, Yinggarda and Ngaanyatjarra artists residing in Geraldton.

State Library staff travelled to Geraldton in July to meet some of the artists and discuss the project themes.

Yamaji Art will focus on traditional cultural knowledge of water and water sources throughout the region. Water was a key factor in determining the success or failure of early exploration of Australia. During his trek, John Forrest relied on Aboriginal trackers and Yamaji peoples’ knowledge to locate water.