Janet Bromely
2024 WOMAN OF GOLD
I started university at 60 when I came to Bendigo because I couldn’t get a job and I didn’t feel that I had finished yet. I stayed for 8 years leaving with a Bachelor of Creative art with Honours and a Master of Visual Art by Research.
I’m a Mum and Grandmother and had previously worked in many roles – as a single Mum when my children were young as the sole provider and later as a single person the last employment was in a Community Managed Mental Health service where I worked for 10 years.
I’ve always made art, painted and built things from recycled and found objects. At university I got interested in the environment and fashion and decided to make with only recycled and found objects. Materials from clothing at op shops to things I found abandoned in the bush.
I have noticed a focus on women in the workplace that started in the 70’s faded away and has gained momentum in the past 10 years. As a First Nations women, an old woman and an artist I have the most marks against me making it. However I have succeeded by just pushing the boundaries over the last 10 years. I have been fortunate enough to connect and network in the art area across indigenous and non-indigenous art, traditional and contemporary art. I used my knowledge gained in management in my previous employment to understand the process of attracting funding and support to projects and I have gathered a strong group of women, young women and girls who are artists, Mums, students some employed in various roles who make art in their down time.
Prior to my role as Art Oddicer First Nations with the City of Greater Bendigo, I worked as a volunteer supporting artists to grow and expand their art practice. Sourcing businesses that would fund professional development for artists and put together multiple exhibitions.
Building a strong relationship with people, building trust and offering hope in a small way we now have a dedicated First Nations Art Gallery in Bendigo.
“When you hear about networking it sounds easy but really it's hard work. Step outside you comfort zone, watch what other people do, then find someone in your community and ask for support. You will be rewarded. ”
- Janet Bromely
2024 WOMEN OF GOLD ARTISTS
Women of Gold is a multimedia project celebrating the stories and contributions of women in the City of Greater Bendigo. Increasing the representation of women across different sectors and inspiring industry to innovate and meet the needs of our community as a whole.
