Throughout 2022 we ran the inaugural IWF cultural residency program, a first of its kind at ANU.  Based loosely on the concept of an artist-in-residence, the cultural residency is a one-year program that draws on the process of creating art to foster cross-cultural understanding of Indigenous peoples and cultures. 

 The inaugural cultural resident was Rev. Glenn Loughrey – a Wiradjuri man, Anglican Priest, speaker, writer, and celebrated artist.

Through several workshops throughout the year, Glenn worked with our researchers and partners to unpack decoloniality. This learning is a first step to understanding how Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities can move forward together and how we can bring this awareness to our research. 

As part of his residency, Glenn created this artwork – Water is Life, Not Property.  The painting depicts the Baaka River around Wilcannia and reflects the conflicting views that water is property to be controlled through agricultural, irrigation and property rights versus the idea that water is a life force that is shared and plentiful for all.

Glenn was a finalist in the Blake Art Prize (2020), Mandoorla Art Prize (2020), the Paddington Art Prize (2020), Doug Moran Portrait Prize (2017) and a semi-finalist in the Doug Moran Prize (2018).  He is also the author of On Being Blackfella's Young Fella, the story of his journey to reconcile conflicting aspects of his identity – both as an Indigenous person and Christian priest. 

“The IWF’s residency has provided me with the opportunity to lead a participative learning process designed to shift perspectives in relation to Aboriginal knowledge and culture. It has provided me an opportunity to explore Aboriginal ideas, contexts and experience of coloniality in a safe and open space," said Glenn.  It has also allowed me to create a significant piece of art that speaks of the fragility of water security and the example of water management from an Aboriginal perspective. Without a doubt, this was an amazing experience and one I am excited to recommend to other Aboriginal artists active in any discipline."

2022 IWF cultural resident Glenn Loughrey.  Image by Samantha Vilkins