Arts Manningham

This children's possum skin cloak by senior First Nations artist Lee Darroch is a unique part of our gallery collection.

A proud Yorta Yorta, Mutti, Boon Wurrong woman, Lee is a leader of the cultural revival of traditional cultural practices across South-eastern Australia in particular possum skin cloak making, sculpture, public art, feather work and coiled basketry.

See this and other First Nations highlights from our collection alongside our current exhibition 'what we share'.

https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/events/what-we-share



Image: 'Dung(g)uludja winyarr: Small Children's Possum Skin Cloak' (2010) Lee Darroch. Photo by Charlie Kinross.

Congratulations to Hayley Millar Baker, who received the Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts at Creative Australia's First Nations Arts and Culture Awards 2026.

Hayley is a Gunditjimara and Djabwurrung artist whose work is politically engaged, spiritually resonant and deeply human. You can see her work at our current exhibition at Manningham Art Gallery 'what we share'.

Read more about Hayley and the other winners:
https://creative.gov.au/first-nations-arts/awards



Image: Hayley Millar Baker 'I Will Survive 2 & 5', 2020, install view. Photo by Charlie Kinross. With special thanks to the Artist and Merri-bek Art Collection for loaning these works.

🖤💛❤️National Reconciliation Week 🖤💛❤️

Join us at Manningham Art Gallery for an immersive Yidaki sound journey with Ganga Giri, a palawa man and local Warrandyte resident.

Blending traditional and contemporary First Nations sounds for a deeply grounding experience.

📆 Wednesday 3 June | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
👉 Free to attend - no bookings required

https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/events/all-connected-country



Image: Portrait of Ganga Giri. Photo by Steve Mckenzie.

Take a moment to recognise someone who helps our creative community thrive!

Make a nomination for the Artistic Achievement Award

📆 Closing Wednesday 3 June | 5:00pm
🔗 https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/community-awards

This weekend at Heide Museum of Modern Art get curious and learn more...

👉 Art Talk | Damian Smith on John Perceval’s Ceramic Angels
📆 Saturday 23 May | 11:00am
🔗 https://www.heide.com.au/events

John Perceval’s ceramic angel series from the late 1950s and early 1960s is regarded as a landmark achievement in the story of Australian art.

We’re open! 🎉
'what we share' is now open at Manningham Art Gallery.

This exhibition brings together photos, videos and personal stories by First Nations artists, sharing everyday experiences, culture and connections.

Join us tomorrow, Thursday 21 May for Art at Dusk to celebrate the opening and explore the gallery after hours.



Images: Artworks by Michael Cook, Christian Thompson and Damien Shen at Manningham Art Gallery. Photos by Charlie Kinross.

Libraries After Dark: a relaxed weeknight program of author talks, film screenings, workshops and guest speakers across May–June at Whitehorse Manningham Libraries

✅ Free at Doncaster Library
📆 Program changes weekly
🔗 https://www.wml.vic.gov.au/Services/Events-and-Programs/Libraries-After-Dark

Did you know Warrandyte helped shape Australian art history?

The Warrandyte Historical Society artists page looks at why painters and makers were drawn here from the late 1800s alongside key figures like Clara Southern and the wider creative community that grew around the river and surrounding bushland.

Explore more: 🔗 https://whsoc.org.au/artists



Image: Audrey & Chickapick (1911) by Clara Southern

Join us at Manningham Art Gallery for a relaxed session of mixed media artmaking set to music. Using coloured papers, create a playful portrait of yourself, a pet or a friend - cutting, layering and arranging shapes to bring your portrait to life.

📆 Wednesday 27 May | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
✅ Free – drop in or book on Eventbrite
👉 All ages welcome and materials are provided - just bring your curiosity

Set alongside the exhibition ‘what we share’, this event is an invitation to slow down, connect and enjoy the moment.

Book now: 🔗https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/analog-art-club-face-to-face-tickets-1985783070620