Professional Development: Maicie Lalara - ANKA Arts Worker Extension Program 2023 (AWEP)

08 – 13 May and 05 – 07 June 2023 
Darwin NT, Sydney NSW, Canberra ACT and Melbourne VIC 

The ANKA Arts Worker Extension Program (AWEP) is an intensive vocational education program for Aboriginal arts workers from Top End Art Centres looking to learn new skills, expand their professional networks, advance their career and increase their participation in the wider arts industry. The competitive program addresses key Indigenous employment and training needs in community Art Centres, strengthens Aboriginal workforce participation, and builds Indigenous arts leadership nationally.  

Strong arts worker, accomplished artist and emerging leader, Maicie Lalara, was accepted into the 2023 AWEP program. Based in Umbakumba, Maicie works across both Umbakumba and Angurugu art centres, often taking the lead in our education and creative development programs.  

Maicie’s skills and confidence have built significantly since she joined the art centre in 2015, making her the perfect candidate for AWEP 2023. When asked why she wanted to apply for AWEP, she said it was because she wanted to “learn more to support my community and make my ancestors and old people proud. I am the new generation. I need to stay strong for the future and all the young ones coming up next.” 

Travelling all across the country and meeting with industry leaders, Maicie’s favourite parts of the program was the opportunity to give a presentation about Anindilyakwa Arts to National Gallery staff and the cross-cultural conservation workshop with the University of Melbourne and Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation.  

Maicie graduated at a special ceremony at the Northern Territory Library, Parliament House on 11 August.