Emma Pritchard

Inspired by a concept created by proud Kamilaroi man and artist Dennis Golding, school holiday workshops aimed at encouraging and empowering young people at the Acmena Youth Justice Centre in South Grafton to learn more about their Aboriginal heritage through art have allowed participants to gain a more comprehensive understanding and insight into their culture.

Facilitated by local art workers including Woolgoolga’s Jimmy Wags and supported by Clarence Valley Council (CVC), the Superpower: Community Capes Program, which ran from September 30 – October 4, enabled youths to express themselves creatively by painting their own unique symbols and motifs onto individually coloured capes.

As a child growing up in the inner southern suburbs of Sydney, Mr Golding found comfort and solace from wearing his batman cape, and often wished his superpower was invisibility.

And while the joyful feeling of wearing a cape still remains with him as an adult, it has also formed the framework for the culturally significant workshops.

“It was very engaging (for the youths), and they had a great time,” Mr Wags explained.

“It was empowerment for them.

“Some of the boys had a really good hard think about what they wanted to paint, and some boys just went off the cuff.

“The work was all very individual, and it will all be displayed at the Grafton Regional Gallery later this year.”

The finished capes proudly displayed colourful and interactive stories of connection to country, family, meeting places, and animals.

The Grafton Regional Gallery will host an exhibition by Dennis Golding from December 21.

GRG Director Sarah Gurich said the Superpower: Community Capes Program is a great example of how regional galleries can work with local artists and the community to develop unique projects that have positive and lasting impacts for young people.