Led by gallery curator Bethany Thornber and a dozen young Aboriginal artists from schools across the North East, the Kangwano exhibition aims to provide a platform for new Indigenous works.

Kangwano is a Dhudhuroa word for the state or time of being young.

“We wanted it to be a showcase of the diversity of work in the region from young Aboriginal people,” Ms Thornber said.

Students from eight different schools have works showcased in the gallery, from paintings, to ceramics, to various kinds of digital media and photographic works.

“I’ve really been surprised by the variety of works we’ve got,” Ms Thornber said.

“It’s important for our younger Aboriginal artists to be connected to the region and this gallery, that they see it as a place to show their work and learn new skills.” 

The exhibit officially opens on Thursday night, from 5.30pm.