Old Stories, New Ways Exhibition: A Triumph of Art, Culture, and Community

13 October 2023

For the love of art

A journey through time and technology at the 'Old Stories, New Ways' art exhibition, held at Portable HQ in Collingwood. This event celebrates the evolution of stories, preserving the essence of Indigenous culture in a modern world. Through the visionary artwork of Daen Sansbury-Smith and the collaboration of Adjadura Art, Portable, and ColourSpace Gallery, this exhibition rekindles ancient wisdom through cutting-edge Augmented Reality (AR) art. This is an art that transcends time and bridges generations, a testament to the power of stories and their ability to shape our future while honouring our past.

The grand opening night of the "Old Stories, New Ways" art exhibition is a fully-catered event, captured the hearts of those in attendance. This extraordinary evening was more than an art showcase; it was a celebration of culture, art, and the powerful union of tradition and technology. It's not just an art showcase; it's a mission with a purpose. Let's delve into the highlights of this remarkable event and explore the positive impact it has had on the community.

Preserving Cultural Heritage Through Art

The "Old Stories, New Ways" exhibition is not only a celebration of cultural evolution but also a mission with a purpose. Collaboratively hosted by Adjadura Art, Portable, and ColourSpace Gallery, the exhibition represents a genuine commitment to cultural preservation.

A significant portion of the revenue generated from the sale of artworks will be reinvested in language revival and cultural art projects in partnership with community organizations. This initiative is a testament to the commitment to ensure the continuation of First Nations languages and the preservation of cultural knowledge for present and future generations.

A Collaborative Effort for Cultural Preservation

Daen Sansbury-Smith's Passion and Dedication

Artist Daen Sansbury-Smith, representing Adjadura Art, is the driving force behind this exhibition. He passionately believes in the preservation, continuation, and evolution of the language, cultural practices, and artforms of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Daen's dedication is fueled by the realization that First Nations languages and Elder's stories are at risk of being inaccurately or insufficiently documented, jeopardizing cultural continuity for future generations.

The "Old Stories, New Ways" exhibition represents three years of hard work, combining multimedia art, language documentation, and storytelling. The stories and artwork presented in this exhibition symbolize the resilience of our ancestors in preserving 'Old Stories' and the determination of current generations to utilize modern technology to continue evolving practices, artforms, and identity ('New Ways').

Portable's Commitment to Transformation

Portable, a purpose-driven research, design, and technology B-Corp, played a pivotal role in supporting this exhibition. Their mission revolves around equality, inclusivity, and respect for the diverse voices and cultures that shape Australian communities and society. Part of their mission is to uplift the voices of First Nations people, promoting transformative change in communities. They express their gratitude for the opportunity to support Daen in expressing his art and look forward to supporting his future community initiatives.

ColourSpace Gallery: Enriching Through Art

ColourSpace Gallery envisions a world enriched by art and is on a mission to make art accessible, impactful, and sustainable for businesses and organizations. Their deep belief in the work of Daen and Adjadura Art aligns with their mission to make art accessible to diverse audiences in various ways. They take pride in supporting this exhibition and its profound significance.

A Triumph of Culture, Art, and Community

The "Old Stories, New Ways" exhibition at Portable HQ in Collingwood is a testament to the power of art, culture, and technology coming together to create positive change within our communities. It symbolizes the seamless blend of tradition and innovation, ensuring that the essence of Indigenous stories remains intact while reaching a broader audience.

This event is a successful celebration of the preservation and revitalization of First Nations languages and cultural practices. It also creates opportunities for educational resources and community development. The collaboration between Adjadura Art, Portable, and ColourSpace Gallery demonstrates the potential for art to be a catalyst for transformation, inclusion, and respect for cultural diversity.

As we reflect on the success of this exhibition, we anticipate the lasting impact it will have on the community, the revitalization of First Nations languages, and the continued support of Indigenous art and culture. "Old Stories, New Ways" is an inspiring reminder of the timeless power of storytelling and its ability to bridge the past with the future, all while celebrating the strength of cultural resilience.