Join us in celebrating proppaNOW, the recipient of the 2022–2024 Jane Lombard Prize for Art and Social Justice. proppaNOW, the First Nations artist collective from Brisbane, Australia was founded in 2003 to combat the invisibility of urban Aboriginal contemporary art. Over the last twenty years, they have broken with expectations of what is proper (‘proppa’) in Aboriginal art; created a new sovereign space for First Nations artists internationally outside colonial stereotypes, desires for authenticity, and capitalist capitulations; and opened new political imaginaries.

Celebrations begin with an award ceremony honoring proppaNOW followed by the prize conversation.  proppaNOW member Warraba Weatherall’s remarks introduce the collective’s history and activities, setting the stage for a lively exchange between proppaNOW members and 2022–2024 prize jury member and Anishinaabe curator, artist, and educator Wanda Nanibush. Introduction by The New School Provost Renée T. White and VLC board member and artist Alan Michelson.

The annual VLC Forum Dinner, extends the festivities into the night with a free dinner and party for all–celebrating proppaNOW, the Jane Lombard Fellows, Forum participants, and our communities. ARAC member, Christian Nyampeta hosts, with a DJ set and karaoke to follow. 

Further details and RSVP information is available here.