Blak Douglas gets behind the Ikara-Flinders Ranges Challenge

Friday, 9 August 2019

Blak Douglas, a Sydney-based Indigenous artist and Alex Wegner, a Newcastle graphic designer, crossed paths on Friday 2 August when Blak took out the $50,000 Kilgour Prize at the Newcastle Art Gallery for his work titled “Queen of her own stage”.

In conversation, Alex mentioned she was taking part in the Ikara Flinders-Ranges Challenge to raise funds for Indigenous education through student scholarships and research into Indigenous community health issues.

Without hesitation the Archibald prize finalist jumped on the opportunity to participate in the cause by offering to donate all proceeds from the sale of his painting “She could run before she could walk” towards the Ikara-Flinders Ranges Challenge.

The Ikara-Flinders Ranges Challenge, organised by the University of Newcastle, will take place on 9 September, and will involve a gruelling more than 100km walk in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, the arid south Australian outback.

With 25 volunteers taking on the trek, including University of Newcastle staff, alumni and community members, the group aim to raise $125,000 to make a real impact in the lives of Indigenous students and Indigenous communities.

If you’re familiar with Blak’s work, you will know he’s passionate about Indigenous social justice, which is evident through his art.

“I represent my family, who never had a voice. I feel indebted to project the message of Australia’s dark past.”

By donating the proceeds from his impactful artwork, Blak is able to shine a light on Australia’s history while supporting the bright future of Indigenous students and Indigenous communities.

You can find out more about the Ikara-Flinders Ranges Challenge or donate to the cause here.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting, with all proceeds going to Indigenous students and health research, please get in touch with the University's Office of Alumni and Philanthropy on 02 4921 8612.

She could run before she could walk, by Blak Douglas:


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