National Reconciliation Week celebrations will be launched on the Coast this week with the official opening of the Maliga Indigenous Art Showcase at The Art House, Wyong, on Friday 26 May.

Maliga, which means ‘shine’ in Darkinjung, is a Youth Based Art Showcase promoting local Indigenous young people’s multimedia art and craft that reflects their identity and cultural connection to the Central Coast.

The fourth annual showcase will be launched at the Art House on Friday 26 May at 10am and includes the presentation of Awards and morning tea.

Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the popularity of the showcase continues to grow each year.

“In just four years, Maliga now has more schools involved, giving more Indigenous students a chance to showcase their work,” Ms Vaughan said.

“The quality of work the students produce is also increasing and is just amazing.

“It’s not just paintings; they are also reflecting their connection through photos, digital media, performances and much more.

“I am looking forward to seeing what the entrants have come up with this year.”

The Maliga showcase is being expanded this year and will include a Public Program in collaboration with local Elders, Uncle Gavi Duncan and Aunty Jenni McEwen (who are also judging the Elders and Highly Commended Awards for Maliga) as well as cultural leader, Mayrah Sonter.

“It’s a great opportunity to hear about each of their own cultural and professional journeys and will give an insight into how they got to where they are today and one not to be missed,” Ms Vaughan added.

The Public Program will be held on Monday 29 May from 10.30am to 12pm. Book your seat today by emailing madalyn.ward@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or calling 4350 5672.

The Maliga showcase will be on display each day during Reconciliation Week in The Art House foyer until Sunday 4 June.

National Reconciliation Week is held annually from May 27 to June 3.

In other celebrations, Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery will be launch two new exhibitions – Colours of Country and The Sean Lonergan Schools Project.

Colours of Country is an exhibition of collected artworks from six respected local Aboriginal Artists: Kylie Cassidy, Gavi Duncan, Wendy Pawley, Garry Purchase, Ron Smith and Donnella Waters.

The Sean Lonergan Schools Project continues the work of Sean Lonergan who promoted reconciliation and created opportunities for local Aboriginal artists in the region for many years.

Both of these exhibitions at the Gallery will be on exhibition from 27 May to 16 July.