Cuts to Aboriginal arts committee

By Chris Latham

PERTH -- A protest was held on July 16 against cuts to Dumbartung Aboriginal Corporation -- the Western Australian Aboriginal arts advisory committee. Protesters read letters of support and marched to the offices of Premier Richard Court demanding the maintenance of the previous funding agreement.

Dumbartung has helped to promote and develop Aboriginal art and culture. It has also been active in the protection of Aboriginal culture and the repatriation of items stolen by museums and other institutions.

On April 29 the government agreed that Dumbartung would be given triennial funding beginning in 1998. Dumbartung has now been informed that the funding has been revoked.

The state government has decided to create an Aboriginal cultural centre next to the State Museum instead. Coordinator Rob Eggington said, “Dumbartung's concern is its location in a cultural hub not frequented by Aboriginal people. The centre would be institutionalising Aboriginal culture for the benefit of non-Aboriginals, continuing dispossession of Aboriginal culture.”

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