Artists

Tori is an artist, curator and educator with connections to Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr country.

Awarded Young Artist of the year in 2018, her artwork blends traditional and contemporary practices while exploring her strong cultural ties, truth telling, healing and identity. Donnelly has made a significant contribution to the cultural fabric of the Gumbaynggirr region having curated exhibitions such as Ngarrannga Ngaanya Junaaygirr (hear me speak) for Yarrila Arts and Museum, coinciding with the nationally rejected Voice to parliment in 2023. While she continues to explore and expand her practice, Donnelly offers her knowledge as a Gumbaynggirr language speaker, cultural tour guide and creative facilitator, solidifying her dedication to her community.

In Residence at Bundanon

During my time on Yuin Country I intend to connect with mob, learn as much Gammēya-Daarawal language as possible, and create works that respond to both tangilble and intangible relationships created on a country that is not my own. “My mother told me once that when you go to another mobs country, you only speak in their language”. I wonder if similar protocols apply when painting on another mobs country? This is the question I’d like to explore and investigate while honouring and preserving my cultural obligations as a guest during my residency in 2026.