In celebration of NAIDOC* week, Dan Sultan has brought together Aboriginal artists Otis Carey and Niah McLeod to create two pieces of unique playable Fender® art that will be auctioned for Children’s Ground.
Children’s Ground believes every First Nations child born today should experience a lifetime of opportunity, entering adulthood strong in their identity and culture, connected to their local and global world, and economically independent. From infants to Elders, the charity works with First Nations communities over a 25-year period to make real and lasting change. Children’s Ground’s approach to change is built around empowerment, and it is this philosophy that speaks to Eastern Arrernte & Gurindji man Dan Sultan.
The artists Otis Carey & Niah Mcleod are moving, accomplished voices in the indigenous creative scene and have created their pieces on two American Made Fender guitars
Fender® American Professional II Stratocaster® – GAAGAL (Ocean), by Otis Carey. This exciting artwork pays homage to the lands and ocean around Coffs Harbour, Otis’ home, and is named after a totem of his people, the Gumbaynggirr Mob. The American Professional II Stratocaster® has been played by more artists on more stages than any other, this versatile instrument sets the standard by which all electric guitars are measured.
Fender® American Acoustasonic® Stratocaster® – NGUDJUNG YUGARANG (Mothers Heartbeat), by Niah McLeod. This inspiring piece continues Niah’s artistic journey of connecting to heritage through art and speaks to the lineage of her people. The American Acoustasonic® Stratocaster® embodies the spirit of purposeful innovation that drives Fender, this powerful instrument delivers a sonic palette from acoustic shapeshifting to electric rhythm tones.
See the auction page here: airauctioneer.com/childrens-ground
*NAIDOC is the acronym for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920′s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.