Earlier in the week I was contacted on my Instagram Account by an account called madeinmeeka. They told me that they were a group working with locals to create community opportunities. They were asking for support in continuing a program so that their remote area artists can continue to make art and share their culture. I had to say I was intrigued. I went to check them out and saw their campaign and I have to say, I liked what I saw.
Seriously. Check It Out. Linking again for emphasis.
Sadly though as I have previously mentioned I’m an unemployed disabled lady living below the poverty line, so my ability to help is fairly limited. When I was working full time though this is the sort of venture I feel I would have offered financial support to. I had a ponder and sent them a response back letting them know what my situation is, but that they generally had my support. The only way I feel I have an ability to be useful to them though is to write about their situation and share it so that hopefully this can get in front of the eyeballs of people who are both willing and able to support them.
So: Made in Meeka are an independent arts organization in Meekatharra, Western Australia. They run a community centre and shop for local artists to share their culture and history. Its a cultural space where locals can get together to make art, hang out and be a community. Its also generally a space that provides opportunities for local artists to promote themselves and make some income. So far it is a project that has been funded almost entirely two individuals. One is a woman named Anna Johnson described as a writer an artist, and the brains behind this whole thing. The other is Gary Hammer described as a ‘rusty art master’, collector, fix it guy and Town McGuyer.
These individuals, and support from their local community have made the space what it is, but they’re looking to expand to be able to provide more space and opportunity for their local artists.
It is important to them that they remain financially independent, I’m going to quote Anna and her description of this:
“Basically, we have decided to be independent so that we stay in charge of our finances and where they’re spent – ie., on paying artists, not accountants, and in getting things done. Most of our projects are inexpensive and can be done with resources we have here (recycling, repurposing, our own skills as tradies etc), but what would free us up is reducing or eliminating the property repayment costs. Every donation to our cause will have direct benefit to local artists and the community – this is a one-off campaign that will see us stand on our own feet permanently. No wasted taxpayer dollars! Most of us are employed full time, too.”
It looks like such an excellent cause. I asked if they could tell me a little more about themselves and the local personalities involved so I could help spread the word about who they are and what they’re doing. I was told about Anna and Gaz, as mentioned above, but also several more individuals. So here are the personalities involved:
The Humans:
Beryl Walsh indigenous artist Yamaji people, in her 50’s, has exhibited overseas, prolific artist
Francis Walsh, her daughter, also amazing artist, mum and local
Lorraine Walsh, Beryl’s daughter, award winning artist, has also been teaching her partner James to paint – (he now uses traditional local ochres and does amazing work)
Charmaine Burton, in her 30’s, is new to traditional painting, does beautiful work
Gloria Whitehurst, in her 50’s, teaching Charmaine, Gloria does wonderful spirit people pieces
Judy Davidson, not indigenous, rock artist, large and small scale works
Carol the manicure lady who makes local beauty products
Betty Kyanga, indigenous artist
Rhonda Gilla-Shay, indigenous elder & artist
Nigel, resident handyman & mate
Brian, resident handyman & mate
June, local indigenous lady who likes to come in and read, brings us a lot of rusty treasures
Richard Narrier, retired indigenous stockman who tells stories, plays harmonica and brings
his blind dog Bumbrell in as well
As well as travelling artists who come in and do bits of work here and there. They also note there are quite a few other locals who hang out, lend a hand, donate stuff, and provide laughter.
The Dogs:
Ted the dog who runs the “Ted’s Tussles” recycled fabric dog tussle empire – They donate a bag to dog rescue groups every few weeks
Missy the dog who can sniff illness and who loves giving cuddles to sad people who come
Bumbrell the blind dog of Richard Narrier, who comes in sometimes
As well as various stray dogs who come over to play and have a drink on hot days
The Skink:
To quote Anna on one of their other little friends:
“We even have a resident skink (lizard) who has babies every year and is very interested in
what goes on, even sits on people’s legs!”
So. Having said all that if you’d like to help out please do check out their campaign. They look like a wonderful mob doing great things!
