Pilbara's leading artists return for another year

The paint is still wet on the artwork from the 2007 Colours of Our Country exhibition as Aboriginal artists from the Pilbara busily prepare for this year's event.

Rio Tinto's successful Colours of Our Country will roll into town from 15 to 27 September in the Central Park building foyer with a collection of spectacular new works by some of the Pilbara's leading Aboriginal artists.

Rio Tinto Chief executive Iron Ore Sam Walsh said the company was proud to stage the exhibition as part of its commitment to providing opportunities for Aboriginal people in the Pilbara, home to most of Rio Tinto's iron ore operations.

"We are working hard to increase the direct employment of Aboriginal people from the Pilbara within Rio Tinto, but we are also fortunate to be able to help create initiatives like this which support the development of sustainable enterprises," Mr Walsh said.

"Our partnerships and investment in the arts is a way to build a lasting legacy alongside economic development for the communities in which we operate."

The Colours of Our Country exhibition was intended to be a one-off event to coincide with Rio Tinto's fortieth birthday celebrations in 2006.

Following the outstanding success of the initial exhibition, Rio Tinto pledged annual support for the event as part of its continuous investment in indigenous development.

Exhibition coordinator Nan Rickards said she was sure this year's event will live up to expectations.

"Each year the artists out-do themselves. Last year's exhibition raised $167,410 with 15 commissions for five artists and I have no doubt this year will be more successful," Ms Rickards said.

"The exhibition is a great way to generate exposure for the artists and gives them an opportunity to showcase their work. The artists use the money raised from the event for household supplies to support their families."

This year thirty-five Pilbara Aboriginal artists will showcase 130 pieces of canvas, artefacts and textiles in the foyer of Perth's Central Park building. All of the work is for sale, with proceeds returning free of commission to artists and art groups in the Pilbara.

There will be many familiar faces among the crowd on the opening night of Colours of Our Country, including respected Yindjibarndi artists Clifton Mack and Allery Sandy of Roebourne.

Mr Mack has twice won the Cossack Art Award run by the Shire of Roebourne, and he said that he enjoys painting stories from his childhood.

"I love creating stories from my mind, especially about my childhood and life on the Fortescue River. I always paint the Fortescue - that's my country," Mr Mack said.

Allery Sandy said events such as Colours of Our Country allowed many of the artists to build international and national profiles.

"This has helped give many of us confidence. It is such a satisfying feeling to see all your hard work being displayed and enjoyed by people," Ms Sandy said.

"Art brings people together and can be enjoyed by every one of all ages. Our art groups are a great support for young people and it's heartening to see young people take a strong interest in it rather than getting involved with drugs and alcohol."

For further information about the exhibition, please contact Rio Tinto's Community Investment advisor Leesa King on (08) 9366 5545 or 0408 098 425.

Key information:

• Colours of Our Country will be held from 15 to 27 September, open 10am-4pm
• Location is Central Park foyer, 152-158 St Georges Terrace, Perth
• Official opening on 18 September at 6.30pm
• The exhibition has made more than $250,000 for Aboriginal artists in two years
• It has resulted in more than 20 commissions
• Two paintings have been selected for the Western Australian Art Gallery collection
• The catalogue will be at www.ciwa.riotinto.com/coloursofourcountry from 10 September
• Admission is free

About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa

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