Debra Beale

My name is Debra Beale and I am a Sydney-based Artist and Designer Maker. I come from the Palawa/Yorta Yorta and Gamilaraay/Wonnarua Nation. I was born in Surry Hills, Sydney and have been practising art for over 25 years.

My artwork tells a narrative of my Aboriginal cultural practices, focusing on cultural heritage, family and community. It is a combination of Women’s Business, with a process of acknowledging the past and moving forward to the future. A healing journey celebrating with song and dance and laughter. 

In September 2018-2019 I showcased my artwork as a Textile Designer Maker on the Global Indigenous runway at Melbourne Fashion Festival. I was commissioned to create a collaborative artwork with Mckinsey & Co for their Youth Leadership program. I was also commissioned to develop a RAP for MSD Pharmaceutical Australia in 2019. My recent achievement is a public display of my artwork for NRMA representing my family and community. 

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Fine Art with Honours at the University of New South Wales, and currently receiving a scholarship. I am planning to major in textiles and hoping to take my career to the next level to study my Masters overseas and exhibit my collections internationally. 

I was a nominee in the National Indigenous Fashion Awards 2020 “Cultural Adornment and Wearable Art Award”.

I was a nominee in the National Indigenous Fashion Awards 2023 in the following categories: Fashion Designer Award, Cultural Adornment and Wearable Art Award and Traditional Adornment Award. My latest exhibition was “Barangga” at the UNSW Galleries – https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2023/07/unsw-galleries-barangga-exhibition-illuminates-first-nations-des.