CQUniversity's Office of Indigenous Engagement hosted its latest Research Seminar with a presentation by Dr Pamela CroftWarcon.

Dr CroftWarcon is a member of Kooma Clan of the Yuwaalaraay people, South-West Queensland, who has lived and worked from her studio in Keppel Sands, Central Queensland, for the past 18 years.

Prof Bronwyn Fredericks with Dr Pamela CroftWarcon at the seminar

She has practised as an independent visual artist since the mid-eighties, producing artworks from her lived experience, guided by her Aboriginality, and training in both Aboriginal and Western traditional art forms.

Pamela was the first Aboriginal person in Australia to gain a Doctor of Visual Arts (Griffith University). She also holds a B. Arts (Fine Arts) and a Certificate in Art & Design.

Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement stated that "to have someone of Pamela's calibre not only living and working in the region but also willing to share her knowledge, skills and abilities is just fantastic".

The seminar was attended by university staff and students, community members, artists, and government workers keen to see how they could link the arts to their community engagement practice. The presentation went for one hour and was then followed by the sharing of lunch and discussion and networking time.

Seminar participants L-R Kevin McNulty, Prof Fredericks and Danessa Willie-White

Dr CroftWarcon shared her experiences of community engagement, research and arts practice in Australia and overseas (including arts residencies in Paris, the Netherlands, Western Samoa, USA and the Philippines). Seminar attendees expressed interest in how Dr CroftWarcon uses Bothways philosophy to create story sites for identity, multiple histories and a sense of place.

Prof Fredericks said she noticed that some people are regular attendees of the research seminars and are using the series to learn more about research in the area of Indigenous Studies.

"Community members are using the seminar series to learn what people are researching about and how they present their work on Indigenous people, cultures and issues," she said.

"I was impressed to see the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Scott Bowman, several professors, key staff members and numerous others attend this month's research seminar along with students," Prof Fredericks said.

Professor Bowman expressed excitement in the presentation and said that CQUniversity could maybe pursue a University-based community arts project. Sue Smith, CQUniveristy's Art Curator is following this up with Dr CroftWarcon.

L-R Robyn Donovan, Faff Chandler, Kylie Radel and Prof Fredericks 
Prof Sonj Hall, Prof Gregory Gass, Prof Kevin Ronan and Prof Fredericks