23 November 2009

Art lovers have come together to view one of Australia’s leading private collections of Indigenous art whilst at the same time raising money for an Indigenous health research scholarship at the Menzies School of Health Research.

Almost $50,000 was raised at the ‘Ochre – Supporting Indigenous Health through Art’ lunch held at the stunning home of Helen & Bori Liberman in Mornington, Victoria.

The Liberman’s ‘HBL’ art collection was on display throughout the day and included works from some of Australia’s leading Indigenous artists.  Helen and Bori, who began collecting Indigenous art in the early 1990’s felt that they wanted to give back to the people who had given them so much joy through art by opening their home and hosting the event.

Guests were also treated to a spectacular lunch, a performance by singing sensation and Territory born Mr Neil Murray, a presentation by Director of the Menzies School of Health Research, Prof Jonathan Carapetis and a stunning artwork by Yukultji Napangati was auctioned by MC Mr David Smorgon.  Local talent Djarrin Wilson danced and played the didjeridu alongside Adam “Edwards” Magennis a local Mornington Peninsula Boonwurrung man.

All of the money raised from the event will go towards the formation of an Indigenous health research Scholarship in conjunction with the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA) which will help to develop the next generation of Indigenous health researchers.

Anyone wishing to donate to ‘Ochre’ can do so on-line at www.menzies.edu.au/donate