Claiming our Ground wins National NAIDOC Poster Competition

Gail Naden from Gilgandra in New South Wales has won this year’s National NAIDOC Poster Competition for her digital artwork, Claiming Our Ground.

Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and National NAIDOC Committee co-chairs, Anne Martin and Benjamin Mitchell, today congratulated Ms Naden on her win.

“The Gillard Government congratulates Gail Naden on her outstanding work to win this year’s National NAIDOC poster competition,” Ms Macklin said.

“Ms Naden beat more than 130 other quality entries that reflected this year’s theme – We Value the Vision: Yirrkala Bark Petitions 1963.

“Along with a $5,000 cash prize, Ms Naden’s artwork will feature on the 2013 National NAIDOC poster which will be displayed in schools, workplaces, and community organisations across Australia to promote NAIDOC Week 2013, held from 7-14 July.”

Ms Naden’s work, Claiming Our Ground consists of two photographs, one depicting the legs of men walking around the land and one of water particles embossed to create crevices. Ochre colours were added, and circles of communities were drawn to give the impression of distances occupied by the artist’s forbearers.

Ms Naden said by manipulating the two images she wanted to create an artwork which represented perseverance and success.

The Gillard Government is providing more than $2 million this year to support the annual NAIDOC Week celebrations, including the National NAIDOC Awards and Ball, as well as local NAIDOC celebrations around the country.

To order your free copies of the 2013 National NAIDOC Week Poster, visit www.naidoc.org.au or call 1800 050 009.