How can we honour our artists with the appreciation they deserve? CAN’s Executive Producer Michelle White has an idea to pitch to the arts industry.

I’ve just returned from a working trip to Japan where I was part of an absolutely incredible cultural exchange supported by DADAA and CAN.

Those that know me will appreciate that the hamster wheels in my head have been working overtime trying to process all the life-changing experiences I've had, and all the great ideas I’ve brought home with me.

But there’s one idea in particular I’m keen to pitch to my fellow arts industry colleagues.

Can we start giving artists a standing ovation when they open their shows?

Please, can we make this a thing?

I know we currently give a round of applause to the artists, curators and installers, but it’s usually after a long list of speeches and multitude of thank yous. 

And to be honest, sometimes the formalities go for so long, we’ve almost lost the will to live by the time we get our glass of wine and the chance to toast the artist.

So I say let’s cut straight to the chase and celebrate the artist first.

From first-hand experience I can tell you, it’s the way to go.

A few weeks ago, my sister – Yamatji artist Mandy White – entered KYOTOba Gallery in Japan for the opening of her exhibition Waranggu Barna and Martumilli artist Judith Anya Samson’s exhibition Wonder Works. She was met with an enthusiastic round of applause from all the Japanese guests.

Our local host, Masato, coordinated it so that Mandy entered the room to a standing ovation, a rapturous and heartfelt acknowledgement of her beautiful work.

It was the best.

Mandy was initially caught a bit off-guard, but when she realised this was all for her, her face was beaming and happy tears welled in her eyes. I, too, was crying, as were many others in our WA delegation.

It was such a powerful moment of pure joy and appreciation. 

It got me wondering. Why don’t we do that here in Australia? 

We clap loudly for live performances, we give ovations at the theatre and we go crazy, clapping for our sports heroes. 

Why can’t we greet our artists with a round of applause when they enter a gallery space full of their incredible hard work and talent?

DADAA’s Director of Art Strategy Julie Barratt was instrumental in organising the exhibition for Mandy and Judith. It's the first time DADAA has taken the works of two female West Australian Indigenous artists with disabilities to Japan. 

When Julie was liaising with the local curators and exhibition organisers, they told her that it was not their custom to hold an event celebrating the opening of an art show. They didn’t quite understand what we wanted.

Through translators, Julie explained to them that it’s something we always do in Australia to applaud the artist.

We’re so glad they decided to interpret this literally.

In a trip that was jam-packed with so many highlights, this standing ovation moment will remain with me forever.

So who’s with me? 

Shall we change up our openings, so the artist walks into their exhibition space to a round of applause?

Pictured top: Mandy White's Waranggu Barna exhibition at KYOTOba Gallery, Japan // credit Taro Okabe