About the curator and artists
Curator Jodie Dowd is a Noongar basket weaver, curator, and consultant belonging to the Menang, Gitja, Ballardong and Wangai nations of Noongar boodjar (Western Australia). She currently lives in the Northern Beaches. Jodie has spent over 15 years working with First Nations knowledge holders and storytellers in museums, libraries, radio and film. She is currently the First Nations Community Engagement Manager at the Australian Film,Television and Radio School. Jodie is excited and honoured to be working alongside First Nations artists, creatives and weavers to curate the 2024 ‘Keep the fire burning’ exhibition at the Coal Loader.
Carefully curated, visitors will experience a rich tapestry of artworks that cleanse, protect, and renew, reflecting the deep connection between fire and First Nations traditions, from: Wandi Wandian artist Amethyst Downing-McLeod, Gamilaroi artist Emma Hicks, muruwari artist Virginia Keft, minyungbal and South seas islander Courtney Marsh-Currie, Guringai and Yuin artist Amanda Jane Reynolds, Gurindji/Malngin, Pertame Arrernte and Worimi lens-based artist Kieran Mpetyane Satour, Wiradjuri artist Nathan Mudyi Sentence, Yuwaalaraay wirringgaa Lucy Simpson, and Noongar artist and exhibition curator Jodie Dowd.
A special collaborative artwork will also be created by First Nations community members, at a weaving workshop to be held in the lead up to the exhibition opening, led by muruwari artist Virginia Keft.