Emerging Curators Program
The Emerging Curators Program is a WA Museum initiative, supported by the National Museum of Australia (NMA), that has been running periodically since 2011.
Working in partnership with Aboriginal organisations across Western Australia, the program supports Aboriginal cultural practitioners in developing the skills, confidence and networks to curate and share their stories, in their own way.
Throughout each 12-month program, participants gain hands-on experience through weekly training modules and two intensive placements — one at the WA Museum and one at the National Museum of Australia, in Canberra.
Training covers a broad range of museum and cultural sector skills, including:
- Research, storytelling
- Oral history recording
- Cultural governance and leadership
- Repatriation
- Curation, exhibition and interpretive development
- Conservation, object handling and preservation
- Intellectual Property
- Education and public programs
- Communication, marketing and media
The program is designed to support both the professional development of emerging curators, and the broader needs and goals of their host organisations and communities. Participants work closely with WA Museum and NMA staff, cultural leaders and sector specialists to build knowledge they can take back into their communities in meaningful and sustainable ways.
Past participants have contributed to exhibitions, oral history projects and community-led initiatives across WA.
MEET OUR 2025 PARTICIPANTS
Cameron Gravestock is part of the Cornwall, Jones, Quartermaine and Ward families, with roots in Goreng, Wilman and Ballardong Country around Katanning, extending toward Woodanilling and Narrogin.
Growing up in Albany, he has a deep passion for being on Country and learning more about his Noongar heritage. Representing the Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation, Cameron is using the Emerging Curators Program to strengthen his cultural knowledge and develop skills in toolmaking, kangaroo skinwork and art that reflect his connection to Country.
Image Credit: Miles Noel Studio
Born in Gnowangerup on Goreng Country and now living in Albany on Menang Country, Narelle Miniter has family connections to the Menang, Goreng, Wadandi and Wudjari groups.
She brings experience across education, training and community sectors to her role as Junior Ranger Coordinator with the Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation.
Through the Emerging Curators Program, Narelle hopes to deepen her understanding of Aboriginal cultures and histories, using her skills in storytelling and organisation to support community-led initiatives and cultural programs.
Image Credit: Miles Noel Studio
Kamryn Sheppard is a Muluridji/Djabugay woman living in Mount Barker.
She works as a Cultural Arts Worker with Gorenang Moortabiin Aboriginal Corporation and as an Exhibition Install Assistant with Albany Town Hall. A practicing artist specialising in oil and abstract works, Kamryn was the youth category winner at the Plantagenet Art Awards and has completed several commissioned drawings.
Her involvement in the Emerging Curators Program supports her creative development and broadens her understanding of curatorial practice within community arts.
Image Credit: Miles Noel Studio
Shawn Colbung Jnr is a proud Noongar man and the Chief Executive Officer and Ranger Coordinator of Binalup Aboriginal Corporation.
Dedicated to caring for Country, culture and community, he leads cultural and environmental programs that support land management, ranger development, and community wellbeing.
Through the Emerging Curators Program, Shawn is expanding his skills in curation and cultural interpretation, building on his work with Elders and rangers to strengthen traditional knowledge and connect younger generations with Noongar culture and Country.
Image Credit: Miles Noel Studio
