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Quilliam named ILF ambassador

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) has announced a new ILF ambassador, Aboriginal artist and adjunct professor Wayne Quilliam.

A photographer, artist, filmmaker, author and cultural advisor, Quilliam has 30 years of experience working in First Nations communities and has curated over 300 exhibitions around the world. He specialises in creating interactive presentations including digital projections on buildings, in galleries or public spaces, and his artwork will feature at the Vivid Festival in Sydney this year, celebrating Gadigal people and Country.

Quilliam has been recognised with a Walkley Award, a Human Rights Award, as NAIDOC Indigenous Artist of the Year, and with the City of Melbourne Koori Heritage Trust Award. In 2020 he published his debut book, Culture is Life (Hardie Grant Explore), a photo documentary on contemporary Indigenous culture.

‘Our cultures are expressed through art, song, dance and stories—and it all relates to language. Language connects us back to Country. It is essential for all Indigenous peoples,’ said Quilliam of being appointed an ILF ambassador.

‘I am honoured to be able to share through my skills in visual art, the positive stories and impact that ILF’s programs have with young people in remote Australia. There is so much joy, talent and potential. Like photography for me, access to literacy, in all its forms, opens doors and can change lives.’

ILF CEO Ben Bowen said, ‘I have known, worked with and admired Wayne’s work for years. His incredible visual storytelling talent, his ethos, and remote Community experience are invaluable for both inspiring young mob, and sharing the ILF journey with our many supporters.’

Quilliam’s appointment brings the total number of ILF ambassadors to 21, including seven lifetime ambassadors.

 

Category: Local news