Water Stories is a new exhibition by Ngarrindjeri artist Melanie Koolmatrie, presented alongside works from Arts Ceduna. Melanie reflects on her deep cultural and personal connection to water, exploring the life-giving energy of the River, Lakes, Coorong, and Sea. Her work speaks to water’s role as a source of transformation, reflection, and renewal.
Arts Ceduna’s sculptural works, created from marine debris and ghost nets, reflect on the beauty and fragility of our oceans. Developed during an on-Country camp at Mt Ives, these pieces transform discarded materials into powerful statements on care for Country and ocean sustainability. Each artwork raises awareness about environmental protection and the impact of pollution on marine life, while expressing the artists’ deep cultural and personal connection to water and place. The Water Stories exhibition highlights the interconnection between people and the environment, reminding us that water is not just a resource, but a living force that connects and sustains us all.
Ku Arts Support
Ku Arts is passionate about creating opportunities for our artists, whether through creative development programs or pathways that support strong economic outcomes. Water Stories celebrates the work Ku Arts does walking alongside our member art centres and independent artists, strengthening creative practice, visibility, and sustainable careers across South Australia.
For this exhibition, Ku Arts supported Arts Ceduna and Ngarrindjeri artist Melanie Koolmatrie through both creative and professional development initiatives. Melanie received one-on-one mentorship and artwork development support from Ku Arts Studio Manager, Em Franklin, with generous art material assistance from Arts National. Arts Ceduna artists were supported through wellbeing camps on Country at Mt Ives and Ku Arts-facilitated workshops, where sculptural works made from marine debris and ghost nets were developed.
Together, these collaborations demonstrate Ku Arts’ commitment to nurturing strong, culturally grounded practice by empowering artists to tell their stories, care for Country, and create meaningful connections between people and place.
This exhibition is proudly supported by the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters.
