Sydney-based fringe magazine Spunk has announced it plans to use its latest fundraiser event, Possessed, to raise awareness and support for the Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative, which is threatened with imminent eviction by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
Spunk is a new annual magazine that seeks to showcase the diversity and perversity of masculine and male genders in ways that challenge stereotypes and mainstream representations. It is a non-profit project, and regularly holds fundraising events to cover its printing costs and build community alliances among marginalised individuals and groups.
Spunk is proud to support the Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative, who do important and critical work in challenging Aboriginal stereotypes to illustrate the diversity and complexity of black cultural life. Boomalli is a well-known resource centre for Aboriginal artists and the wider artistic community. It has made, and continues to make, a mark on art and culture in Australia today.
Boomalli has been a flagship for self determination since it was formed in 1987. It is Australia’s longest running Aboriginal artists' cooperative. Some indigenous artists assisted through Boomalli include Tracey Moffatt, Joe Hurst, Fiona Foley and Brenda Croft. Due to outstanding tax debts Boomalli has been declared insolvent and has been asked to leave its premises in Leichhardt.
Possessed takes place on July 10 at the Red Rattler Theatre in Marrickville (6 Faversham St). Kicking off at 8pm the night will include performances by Zavier Moustache, Mat Hornby, Matt Stegh and Melodiqa; beats provided by DJ Wannabe, Pantsdowner, Mukole, and Blanka. Boomalli founding member Bronwyn Bancroft will also share the story of Boomalli and talk about how communities can support Boomalli to fight the eviction. Punters are encouraged to dress up in “possession” theme. Tickets will be available on the door for $15 or $10 concession (free entry before 9pm).
Boomalli is threatened with imminent closure — as eviction looms, do we stand still and watch it go? Do we let it go down quietly? Spunk says down with dispossession — bring on the possession!