The Mob in Focus program supports Aboriginal creatives from across the STA Region. For the second Mob in Focus program in 2026 we invited our local Mob creatives to complete an Artists in Residency at Home and reflect on the theme of Holding Space. The resulting work is showcased in this rich online platform of creative work. Each participating artist received a professional fee to be part of the project.
Mob in Focus: Holding space presented a small window for artists to use their creative practise to help hold space for themselves, their families and Mob. The theme of Holding Space is a direct response to immediate concerns and realities, such as the cost-of-living crisis, political division and numerous global uncertainties. The world can feel a little overwhelming and unstable.
Southern Tablelands Arts is meeting our creative communities where they are, supporting them in the ways they need at this present time. Whether this is to invest in professional development, purchase some materials, travelling for opportunities, servicing equipment, attending workshops, presentations or talks by other creatives or allowing time to create with a little less financial pressure.
Please enjoy the amazing variety and depth of work for the 2026 Mob in Focus: Holding Space.
Jerikye Williams
Jerikye is a Wiradjuri man, who choose to share a very special performance of ‘Streets of Old Fitzroy’ written by his Aunt and Uncle, Karen and Harry Williams. Born in Cowra and living in Queanbeyan on Ngambri/Ngunnawal land, Jerikye is said to have been born with a guitar in his hand and a great love for 1950’s and 60’s rock’n roll. Check out his band, Jerikye and The Crawdads
Katrina Munday
I live in and work in the Upper Lachlan Shire of NSW. I am a proud Wiradjuri Women with Celtic and British heritage also. Over the last 2 years. I have started my own business PURTIGSE CRAFTS, which you will find on Facebook and Instagram. I also currently have work at the Bigga Art and Craft Gallery.
I have been weaving for 18 months with raffia after learning this skill from my sister. This is a new craft for me, and I love the practice of weaving. I would like to keep developing my weaving practice and incorporate beading into this work also and to explore more natural and native fibres. I am just starting out with polymer clay and have attended some workshops held at Gallery on Track in Goulburn and will be attending more to further my skills in this area. My other areas of practice include Jewellery, Beaded Bonsai Trees, Dream Catchers incorporating found objects and Leather Work.
Leah Reeves
My name is Leah Reeves, and I am a legally blind indigenous artist from Young NSW. I use high powered magnification to do more detailed dot work. My art acts as a connection to country, as a ‘vision’ of places I can longer visit. I sign all my work with “beezneez” a cherished childhood nickname.
PAMELA LUKE
I am a proud Dharug woman, born on October 25, 1978 in Bowral, NSW Australia. Currently residing in the southern highlands Gundungurra Country, Pamela has intricately woven her roots into the fabric of her artistic endeavours.
As a gifted weaver and intuitive artist specializing in Aboriginal Indigenous art, Pamela runs a burgeoning art venture, POSSUM TAILS ART. Through her business, she has been teaching weaving workshops at local schools and councils, spreading the art and knowledge inherent in this traditional skill.
Pamelas artistic narrative is deeply influenced by the vibrant colours and textures of her native landscape, embodying a unique relationship between nature and culture. Her works, primarily focused on patten and design, dot work, and culturally inspired thematic expression, serve as a bridge connecting the modern world with profound indigenous histories.
STEWART JAMES
Stewart James Artist and Cultural Educator Wiradjuri man from the Riverina, with over 20 years’ experience as an artist and more than 15 years working in education. I am committed to sharing quality insights into First Nations culture. I aim to “Influence Change Through Art & Education” and strengthen First Nations cultural identity within communities.
TEENA RILEY
Country as art – my photography captures the beauty and reality of home, Gundungurra Country – no filters, no editing.
*There are many language groups who live and meet across the region where STA operates. Main groups include Wiradjuri Country coming in from the west, across the north is Gundungurra and Tharawal Country, the south is Ngunnawal Country, and the east is Yuin Country. The STA Region is officially made up of seven local government areas of Goulburn Mulwaree, Hilltops, Queanbeyan Palerang, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly & Yass Valley.
The Mob in Focus: Holding Space program is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW and the Restart Program.
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the lands where we create, live & work.
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