So the Virtual Campfire was the project, in theory. Irati Wanti had discussed it some months earlier with the Kungka Tjuta and they were interested, even if the idea was a bit abstract from their daily realities, such as only a couple of families in the local community even having a phoneline connected to their homes. But being at Irati Wanti, meeting some of the Kungkas and their families, and seeing the incredible artworks they are making -- paintings of the old country and the story of the seven sisters, jewelry crafted from seeds and quills, sculpted animals and wirras, woven baskets threaded through with feathers, exquisitely decorated emu eggs – it became apparent that the residency would be more useful if it focussed on what the Kungkas are doing right here, right now, and what they really want.

It's a clear vision- the establishment of ongoing opportunities and outlets for the exhibition and sales of their creative assets, to generate financial autonomy within their community, and to have the stories which are woven through everything they make and do communicated to new audiences. Art and life are inextricably connected here, it’s lived experience and living transmission of knowledge, law and lore.

Back to Adelaide (via an awesome side trip made with over-priced bus and economy-plan thumb to Uluru, Kaka Tjuta and Watarrah) and back to the email drawing board to draft an ambitious blueprint for Stage 2 and beyond. The remaining 3 weeks of the residency around Easter would be focussed on sussing out funding and exhibition opportunities for the Kungkas, and, working in close collaboration with everyone, to develop group and individual artists' portfolios (online and printed matter) which could be used to generate interest in exhibitions, tours and residencies for the Kungkas.