Join us for a day celebrating Aboriginal art and culture.

The Open Day starts with an Ancient Whale Dreaming Ceremony of the Yuin and Gadigal people at Balmoral Beach at daybreak, followed by a range of activities at the Gallery.

Hear talks by the curator Djon Mundine and many of the participating artists. Kids join in the fun of creating your own Cornet hat – the best one wins a prize! Hear Peter McKenzie perform The Ballad of Bungaree.

Enjoy a free coffee and all the exhibitions on display. You might even meet Bungaree himself!

OPEN DAY HIGHLIGHTS

AT BALMORAL BEACH

5.30am – approx. 8.00am: Ancient Whale Dreaming Ceremony of the Yuin and Gadigal people at Balmoral Beach.

Join us in a celebration the rising of Grandfather (the Sun) and the singing up of Guruwal (the Whale). He greeting of the Sun is to celebrate the first day of the rest of our lives. The Whale Dreaming Ceremony is for the safety of whales that are carrying their young North and to give them safe passage – the whales were once tribal people and are following ancient songlines. The ceremony will be led by Uncle Max Harrison, an elder of the Yuin people.

This is a free event and all are welcome to attend and participate. This project marks the opening of the Sydney Sacred Music Festival and is a partnership between Mosman Art Gallery, Cultural Arts Collective and Gadigal Information Services.

Free event – limited places – bookings essential at www.trybooking.com/BTHT

AT MOSMAN ART GALLERY

10.30am: The Ballad of Bungaree Performance by artist Peter McKenzie and exhibition tour with prominent Aboriginal Curator Djon Mundine OAM
Join the Curator of Bungaree: The First Australian Djon Mundine for an exhibition tour examining the exhibition rationale, the artists and artworks within the exhibition, and discussing the life story and character of Bungaree, the man.

12.30pm and 2.30pm: ARTISTS TALKS
Hear from some of the participating artists within the exhibition for an informal discussion about their individual responses to Bungaree, the man, his life story and the complexities of the times he navigated as a leader of his people.

10.00am – 4.00pm Especially for Kids! Free Art Activity
Families are welcome to join in the fun of making and decorating your own Bungaree style ‘cornet’ hat using collage materials. Have your photo taken with ‘Bungaree’, post it on the Gallery’s Facebook page and go in a draw to win a prize!

WHAT’S ON EXHIBITION

10.00am – 5.00pm

• Bungaree: The First Australian
• In Profile: Paul Williams
• The Balnaves Gift

MOSMAN VILLAGE MARKETS

A quality art and craft market located in the heart of one of Sydney’s finest shopping precincts! 150 art and craft stalls, with gourmet food, musical entertainment, and a lively atmosphere.