NGURRUWARRA/ DERNDERNYIN: Stone Fish Traps Of The Wellesley Islands

The exhibition catalogue from ‘NGURRUWARRA/ DERNDERNYIN: Stone Fish Traps Of The Wellesley Islands’ is available to download from the link below.


FOREWORD

WORDS: SEAN ULM, JOHN ARMSTRONG AND BERELINE LOOGATHA

Fish traps are central to Kaiadilt, Lardil, Yangkaal and Gangalidda culture, story and very identity.

Fish traps are a key element of material culture shared across the Wellesley Islands region.

This mammoth Ngurruwarra/Derndernyin canvas is a celebration of culture, story and relationship across the seas, lands and skies of the Traditional Owner communities throughout the Wellesley Islands region.

The artwork is a collaboration between ten Kaiadilt, Lardil and Gangalidda artists working together across a massive 20-metre-long by 2-metre-wide canvas. Each artist painted multiple sections of the canvas, with artists negotiating with each other to ensure continuity of story across contiguous elements of the canvas.

Between them, the artists are custodians of intimate knowledge of Country. The most senior Kaiadilt artists of the work, for example, were amongst the last coastal Aboriginal people to be institutionalised in Australia, being forcibly removed from Bentinck Island to a European Mission on Mornington Island in 1948.

One of the first things the Kaiadilt community did when they arrived on Mornington Island was to build their own fish trap near their camp, which is still visible in the intertidal zone in front of the
Kuba Natha Hostel.

This artwork was commissioned by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH) to celebrate the relationships between Traditional Owners and researchers working on Country.

The artists dedicate this artwork to the late brilliant Dibirdibi Elsie Gabori, who passed away after the work was completed. She is sorely missed.


DOWNLOAD CATALOGUE HERE

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A person holds a catalogue with the text ' Ngurruwarra/ Derndernyin' on the front cover

Photographer: Cristina Bevilacqua

Mixed Grill event recap

Earlier this year, NorthSite hosted the one-night micro-festival event, Mixed Grill, produced by The 5Five collective.

Mixed Grill closed the collectives exhibition in Gallery 2, ’other’, and was a live performance-based extension of the thematic framework of this exhibition.

‘other’ curator and Mixed Grill creative producer Nicholas Mills, worked with the The 5Five collective and the NorthSite team, to produce a diverse ‘ensemble’ night of experimental performance, new music and sound art, queer cabaret and visual media, critical yarns and DJ culture.

The exhibiting ‘other artists’, Roderick Newbury, Tegan Koster, Doula, Fletcher Glover, and John De Satge, were joined on the night by performance artists Rebecca Youdell, Jay Wymarra, Paul Barron, Rob Eakin, Derryn Knuckey and File_Error, and Calling to Country by Djabugay cultural leader Dennis Hunter.

Mixed Grill is a moving feast: activated performance spaces were enabled throughout the venue at Bulmba-ja. Punters were initially greeted at the front door and encouraged to have their picture taken in the ‘other’ booth, thus becoming part of the work ‘other is you’. DJ Whichway met the audience in the foyer with a fine selection of groove, alongside the ‘other’ exhibition and delicious food by The Toasted Goat and drinks from the Hungry Pitcher.

Two people get their photo taken inside a booth with a neon light that reads 'other'

‘other’ booth, Mixed Grill, NorthSite Contemporary Arts, Cairns, 2024. Photo Gonza Ianza


A DJ setup

DJ Whichway, Mixed Grill, NorthSite Contemporary Arts, Cairns, 2024. Photo Gonza Ianza


The audience were then led into Gallery 1, and greeted with a bare, talk-panel format, Space.

Dennis Hunter Acknowledged Country before members of The 5Five collective engaged in the yarning panel, ‘In Other Words’, moderated by John De Satge, and exploring individual and universal perceptions, and experiences, of ‘other’.

A group of people sit under the projected text 'other'. A man stands holding a microphone addressing the audience.

Yarn Panel with Dennis Hunter, Mixed Grill, NorthSite Contemporary Arts, Cairns, 2024. Photo Gonza Ianza


Following the panel discussion, interdisciplinary practitioner Rebecca Youdell and media artist File_Error performed a delicate sound, screen and movement performance in response to the exhibition.

A woman walks with a branch.

Other Response with Rebecca Youdell+ File_Error, Mixed Grill, NorthSite Contemporary Arts, Cairns, 2024. Photo Gonza Ianza


The audience were then directed to move to Studio B, where Dennis Hunter then guided them through ‘Calling to Country’ and true history, before John De Stage’s game-show style ‘MAJORITIES live’, welcomed three attendees to test their knowledge against the expert ‘flag-guy’ in a showdown of interactive Flag Game performance.

Three attendees sit around a laptop discussing. A large projection of the screen full of flags is shows to the audience.

MAJORITIES live’ with John De Satge, Mixed Grill, NorthSite Contemporary Arts, Cairns, 2024. Photo Gonza Ianza


The Mixed Grill program juxtaposes work and space that compliment and contrast: the audience were then led to the rear carpark of Bulmba-ja, for the outdoor performance/ installation piece ‘Exercise In Futility’.

Produced by Nicholas Mills, and performed by the 5Five artists, with sound by Fletcher Glover and BLK+SBBTH, this ‘roving parade’ utilised discarded gym equipment and the rolling shell of an XP Ford Falcon, to illustrate a compelling visual and conceptual image.

A image shot in the night of a person pulling a white rope attached to a car with another person standing on-top of the car holding a traffic cone. There is a red light shining on the people.

Exercise in Futility with The 5Five, Mixed Grill, NorthSite Contemporary Arts, Cairns, 2024. Photo Gonza Ianza


It was then back into Studio B for a cabaret-styled double header: Jay Wymarra presented excerpts from his new show ‘AmaJayus’, which will premiere at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Tegan Koster then set the stage for a massive retro-synth exploration, presenting a quirky and upbeat live electro/screen showing of her new art-pop sound works, as part of her ongoing project ‘Shapes’.

A crowd of people watching the stage with a person greeting the crowd

AmaJayus – Jay Wymarra, Mixed Grill, NorthSite Contemporary Arts, Cairns, 2024. Photo Gonza Ianza


Tegan Koster plays on stage to a large audience

Shapes – Tegan Koster, Mixed Grill, NorthSite Contemporary Arts, Cairns, 2024. Photo Gonza Ianza


After a short break, the night moved into its final gear, with cult improvisation art/noise band ‘dero’, led by File_Error, and the funk/groove contrast of DJ Mr Tarago, cutting their own aural space, for a final sound and dance floor spin.

dero perform to an audience

Dero – dero, Mixed Grill, NorthSite Contemporary Arts, Cairns, 2024. Photo Gonza Ianza


DJ Mr Tarago playing

DJ Mr Tarago, Mixed Grill, NorthSite Contemporary Arts, Cairns, 2024. Photo Gonza Ianza


Words: Nicholas Mills


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Cairns Animation Incubator

If you’re interested in animation take a look at these Animation Workshops and get your name on the list. Email “I’m Interested” to: cairns.animation@icloud.com

Series 1:
Focus on Indigenous Artists
Saturdays March 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd
Digital tools for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to bring story telling to life.

Series 2:
Focus on 2D Drawing and Animation
Saturdays April 20th, 27th and May 4th, 11th

Series 3:
Stop Motion Characters, Sets, Lighting, Compositing
Saturdays May 18th, 25th and June 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd

Series 4
3D Modelling, Scanning, Texturing and Animation
Saturday July 13th, 20th, 27th and August 3rd

Presented by Ian Whittaker with support from Cairns Regional Council, Arts Queensland, Trinity Bay State High School and Indigenous Design Labs.


Please note that this program is not associated with NorthSite Contemporary Arts.


A bright pink poster with information about animation workshops by Cairns Animation Incubator

Image courtesy of Cairns Animation Incubator

Exhibition Season 1 Overview

NorthSite Contemporary Arts’ 2024 exhibition program celebrates the breadth and diversity of practice in Far North Queensland, in dialogue with artists who have strong connections to the region.

Our first season for 2024 will include the inaugural presentation of ‘Ngurruwarra/Derndernyin (stone fish trap)’, a monumental canvas by established and emerging artists from Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation, Mornington Island Art, the outcome of a research project led by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH). Alongside this exhibition will be ‘Conversations with my barista (real or imagined)’, a new photographic and video installation by Cairns-based emerging artist Selina Kudo; and in Gallery Two, ‘Facing Time: 50 Years’ a collaborative exhibition of paintings and drawings by artists and long-term friends Euan Macleod and Cairns-based Geoff Dixon. In addition to our gallery exhibitions, we will present exciting new editions produced through our SpotFire First Nations artist print program, across the Foyer and Long wall spaces.

 

EXHIBITIONS

NGURRUWARRA/ DERNDERNYIN: Stone Fish Traps Of The Wellesley Islands


Conversations with my barista (Real or imagined)


Facing Time: 50 Years


SpotFire


 

EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

Exhibition Opening – Season 1


Artist Talks – Season 1


Film Screening — Geoff Dixon: Portraits of Us


Workshop — Moments in Monochrome: Crafting Stories with Disposable Camera Diptychs


Artlink: Yarning with Cairns First Nations Curators’ Collective

The latest issue of Artlink 43:3 features a conversation between three Cairns First Nations Curators; Aven Noah Jnr., Peggy Lane and Teho Ropeyarn. Facilitated by Hamish Sawyer the conversation delves into the curator’s insights and experiences.

Peggy Kasabad Lane is a proud Saibai Koedal Clan woman from the Guda Maluylgal Nation in Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait), and is the First Nations Curator at Cairns Regional Council. Aven Noah Jnr. is a proud Komet Tribesman from Mer (Murray Island), and is the Curator at NorthSite Contemporary Arts, Cairns. Teho Ropeyarn is an artist and curator of the Angkamuthi and Yadhaykana clans from Injinoo, Cape York Peninsula, Badu, Moa and Murray Island. He is the Curatorial Associate at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. Hamish Sawyer is a curator, writer and is the Artistic Director of NorthSite Contemporary Arts, Cairns.*

Read the full conversation between Aven Noah Jnr., Peggy Lane and Teho Ropeyarn with NorthSite Artistic Director Hamish Sawyer in ArtLink issue 43:3.


VIEW AT OUR ONLINE STORE


*Source Artlink website: Click Here

Artisan’s emerging regional Queensland artist residency

An artist wearing earmuffs and safety glasses and is sanding a block. They wear a red cardigan and a bright yellow apron with hair tied in a pony tail. Text in the top left corner reads 'artisan residency program'.

Applications are closing soon for Artisan’s emerging regional Queensland artist residency.

This Brisbane-based residency offers you a career-changing opportunity to immerse yourself completely in your art – with all expenses covered for up to six weeks. Open to all craft and design practitioners. The program includes:

  • Travel, accommodation, living costs and material expenses for up to 6 weeks
  • Mentoring and career development
  • Vocational training
  • A curated exhibition at artisan

But don’t wait, apply now! Submissions close on 20 February 2024.

For full information and to apply, visit https://artisan.org.au/pages/artisan-residency-program-queensland-2024


Please note that the Artisan’s emerging regional Queensland artist residency is not associated with NorthSite Contemporary Arts and this is general information.

Careers: Print Coordinator

DOWNLOAD POSITION DESCRIPTION

 

Position title: Print Coordinator
Category of employment: Permanent, full-time
Salary: $65,000 per annum, plus superannuation
Locations: NorthSite Art Studios (55 Greenslopes St Edge Hill 4870)
Closing date: 5PM, Wednesday February 7, 2024

NorthSite Contemporary Arts seeks a Print Coordinator to revitalise printmaking initiatives and support artists. This role focuses on fine-art printmaking, editioning and offers printmaking development programs specialising in techniques such as intaglio etching, relief printing, screen-printing, and more.

 

ABOUT NORTHSITE

NorthSite Contemporary Arts (formerly KickArts) is a leading arts organisation with a 30-year history of exhibiting exemplary art and supporting contemporary artists in Far North Queensland. The organisation has a fundamental role in ensuring the advancement of contemporary art in Cairns and greater North Queensland, through the on-going development, delivery and promotion of exhibitions, programs, events and provision of artistic services.

Our mission is to link ideas, artists, audiences and supporters to present contemporary art and design that brings people together, stimulates conversation and provides transformative experiences.

NorthSite Art Studios, located within the Cairns Cultural Precinct on Greenslopes Street, (previously run by InkMasters Inc. and as Djumbunji Press) is a professional studio for training, community workshops and the production of high-quality fine-art-printmaking.

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Print Coordinator is a new position that will drive the activation of the NorthSite Art Studios and the revitalisation of printmaking in Far North Queensland.

Focused on printmaking and print education initiatives, working closely with leading contemporary artists and the broader community, the Print Coordinator will bring a strong network and an innovative, sustainable approach to the role.

In collaboration with colleagues, they contribute to shaping NorthSite Art Studios as a recognised hub for fine-art-printmaking offering various techniques including intaglio etching, relief printing, screen-printing and other print methods.

Prioritising skills development and income-generating opportunities for artists, the Print Coordinator ensures increased participation in print initiatives, effective editioning and costing of new fine-art prints and a positive workshop environment. They will actively support artists from the region to take ideas from conception to actualisation, and acquisition into targeted marketplaces and collections. Responsibilities include managing the printmaking studios, facilitating workshops, making new print works available for distribution and fostering relationships.

NorthSite presents and promotes the work of Far North Queensland contemporary artists and celebrates the cultural diversity of the North. This position requires a person that works well with varied artists and cultural groups, and engages well with the broader arts community including artists, guest curators, sponsors, partners and other stakeholders.

The Print Coordinator will think critically about the work they undertake in collaboration with artists, by employing strong listening, empathy and engagement skills. The Print Coordinator plays a crucial role in delivering printmaking activities that support NorthSite’s vision, and mission.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Development:

  • Shape development of NorthSite Art Studios as a recognised site of fine art printmaking, and an active hub that also facilitates professional development of artists across creative technology and design.
  • Contribute to strategic, operational, business plans and budgets for the Print Program from 2025 onwards.
  • Explore new markets for artists with the Retail Manager and contribute to the marketing plan with the Communications Coordinator.
  • Contribute to longer term studio strategic planning with CEO.

2. Program Implementation and Printmaking:

  • Organise education, community workshops, fee-for-service initiatives, and fine art editioning.
  • Participate in, and coordinate talks, masterclasses, and consultancies.
  • Actively increase the organisation’s reputation, participation levels and sales through print initiatives.
  • Facilitate outreach programs and foster collaborations, linking back to artist-in-residence program.
  • Engage artists, curators, sponsors, partners, and stakeholders in programs.
  • Work closely with partners to achieve outcomes.
  • Collaborate with the Programs Coordinator to schedule and host weekly activities at NorthSite Art Studios.
  • Oversee professional development of printmakers, facilitators, and interns.
  • Commission limited edition prints in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Curator.
  • Work with Curator to prepare print works for outgoing exhibitions including framing, freight, condition reports and insurance arrangements.
  • Provide content for online promotion, sales, and storytelling.

3. Financial Management and Print Administration:

  • Work to set budgets and contribute to the formation of detailed strategic, operational and business plans and budgets for the Print Program from 2025 onwards.
  • Achieve annual KPIs, contributing to print initiative growth.
  • Edition and cost prints for wholesale, retail, and the NorthSite Store.
  • Maintain accurate databases records for all prints and stakeholders.
  • Contract artists, prepare commissioning agreements, licensing, and support services.
  • Identify and seek project support.
  • Manage project budgets, stock levels, material orders and sales.

4. Community Engagement:

  • Prioritise local artist opportunities.
  • Demonstrate high cultural and community engagement skills.
  • Travel for delivery of outreach programs.
  • Promote wider public engagement with printmaking.

5. Studio and Facility Management:

  • Develop effective systems for workflow and resource management.
  • Oversee building maintenance, personnel training files, and key registers.
  • Implement and oversee WH&S processes.
  • Ensure sustainability targets are set and met.
  • Conduct inductions, maintain studio order, and manage equipment.
  • Present studio to highest professional standards and nurture a positive workshop environment.
  • Manage professional print studios and foster relationships to drive sustained growth and productivity.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum 5 years of printmaking experience.
  • Tertiary degree in visual arts or related field, strong knowledge of printmaking techniques and industry, facilitation experience.
  • Understanding Queensland and Australian arts ecologies; regional printmaking gaps and opportunities.
  • Strong technical, communication, administration, WH&S, and project management skills.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the visual contemporary arts industry and ability to articulate important issues relating to the arts and culture.
  • High cultural competency to work well with diverse Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and local cultural groups.

 

REQUIREMENTS

  • Proficiency in printmaking techniques and education.
  • Demonstrated experience in art studio management.
  • Experience in developing and delivering printmaking workshops.
  • Strong community engagement and facilitation skills to work well with diverse cultural groups and community.
  • Ability to effectively edition and cost prints for different markets and outlets.
  • Strong ethical approach to printmaking and engagement with artists.
  • Team player with autonomy aligned with the organisation’s strategic plan.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in an organised and flexible manner.
  • Computer and software competency.
  • Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
  • Current Driver’s license.

 

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

  • Reports to Artistic Director and CEO.
  • Collaborates with artists, workshop facilitators, peer organisations, community groups, suppliers, members, patrons, NorthSite Curator, Retail Manager, Programs Coordinator, Communications Coordinator, and Administrator.

 

TO APPLY

Download the Position Description document to ensure you meet the criteria.

If you are passionate about printmaking, community engagement, and supporting a new chapter for printmaking in northern Australia, submit your resume and a cover letter to hello@northsite.org.au by 7 February 2024.

For further details about the position or organisation contact Ashleigh Campbell director@northsite.org.au.

Closing date: 5PM, Wednesday February 7, 2024

 

DOWNLOAD POSITION DESCRIPTION

 

APPLY NOW
 

Programs Coordinator Melania Jack

NorthSite is pleased to welcome Melania Jack as the Programs Coordinator.

Melania has worked with NorthSite over the past three years and stepped into the Programs Coordinator role in November 2024. Melania is underway with a great line-up of events and workshop for 2024 which includes the monthly Artist Connect group. Keep an eye out on our events page for all our upcoming events and workshops.

Melania has 15 years of experience as an artist and facilitator. With a multi-arts practice, video, sound, performance, installation and projection, Melania has exhibited locally and internationally and is part of the award-winning duo, The Ironing Maidens. Melania has a Masters in Creative Industries and is passionate about creating opportunities for regional artists.

2024 Exhibition Program

A blured image of a rain-forest with two columns of text that reads "Mornington Island Art, Selina Kudo, Euan Macleod & Geoff Dixon, Anastasia Klose, Annika Harding, Vernon Ah Kee, Gab Titui Cultural Centre, Jill Chism, Luke Aleksandrow, i object"

NorthSite Contemporary Arts is excited to announce its 2024 exhibition calendar. Next year’s exhibition program celebrates the breadth and diversity of practice in Far North Queensland, in dialogue with artists who have strong connections to the region.

Our first season for 2024 will include the inaugural presentation of ‘Ngurruwarra/Derndernyin (stone fish trap)’, a monumental painting installation by established and emerging artists from Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation, Mornington Island Art, the outcome of a research project led by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH). Alongside this exhibition will be ‘Conversations with my barista (real or imagined)’, a new video installation by Cairns-based Selina Kudo; and ‘Facing Time: 50 Years’ a collaboration between artists and long-term friends Euan Macleod and Cairns-based Geoff Dixon.

A vibrant abstract artwork on canvas

Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation, ‘Ngurruwarra/Derndernyin (stone fish trap)’, (detail), 2023. Image courtesy of Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation.


 

Season two will focus on the local environment, with Mossman-based artist Anastasia Klose presenting ‘For thy sake I in love am grown’ an ambitious exhibition of new drawings, video and daily performance, responding to the diminishing biodiversity in Queensland and immanent threats to its unique landscapes. Annika Harding’s ‘Flux and Fog: Landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands’ examines moments of tension between the built environment and agricultural landscapes, the lush rainforest ecosystem and associated intense weather patterns.

A coloured pencil drawing of an owl and possum amongst trees

Anastasia Klose, For thy sake I in love am grown, (detail). Image courtesy the artist.


 

Major gallery exhibitions throughout 2024 will be complemented by project shows on the Long Gallery and Foyer walls, with a focus on early career and First Nations practitioners, supported by NorthSite curator Aven Noah Jr and the wider team. Project wall shows will include outcomes from the Spotfire printmaking development program, a jewellery and small object exhibition curated by Lauren Carter, and the ever-popular annual NorthSite Art Market.

In season three, NorthSite will present a suite of exhibitions by Queensland First Nations artists, coinciding with the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) 2024. This will include the premiere of a major new video and sound installation ‘way to be’ by artist Vernon Ah Kee (Kuku Yalanji, Yidinyji and Guugu Yimithirr), harnessing drone footage and data to showcase the Magnificent Gallery of Rock Art in Western Yalanji country as never seen before. In partnership with Gab Titui Cultural Centre, Thursday Island, Aven Noah Jr will profile exciting new developments in practice from leading and emerging Torres Strait Islander artists.

Season Four showcases experimental approaches to the local landscape, through Oak Beach artist Jill Chism’s ‘Remnants’, an exhibition of recent and existing assemblage and installation works that explore our relationship to an increasingly fragile natural world. Topaz-based artist Luke Aleksandrow presents the third iteration of ‘The Break Project’ entitled ‘Sounds of the Tropics’, documenting the breakage of ceramics made by artists from the region, accompanied by an atmospheric soundscape.

Timber house structure with dead branches

Jill Chism, Remnants, (detail). Image courtesy the artist.


 

For the final season of the year, NorthSite will present the touring exhibition ‘I, Object’ from the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, which considers the many complex relationships Indigenous Australian artists continue to have with cultural objects – from the histories informing their creation to the social and cultural consequences of their collection.

In addition to the onsite exhibition program, NorthSite Contemporary Arts, will present ‘Compositional Utterances’, a site-responsive, collaborative exhibition by Brisbane-based artists Mandy Quadrio, Susan Hawkins and Jan Oliver, whose material-led practices share feminist and ecological concerns. The exhibition is a collaboration between NorthSite and the University of Sunshine Coast Art Gallery, and will be presented at the Court House Gallery in Cairns, supported by Cairns Regional Council. NorthSite will again present an exhibition and art market stall at the Cairns Convention Centre, as part of the CIAF 2024; and is working with artist/curator Taloi Havini to showcase the work of artists from FNQ Sea Country, at Ocean Space, Venice during the 60th Venice Biennale.

 


 


ON NOW | See Exhibitions

Planetary Gestures travels to Melbourne

Planetary Gestures was exhibited at NorthSite Contemporary Arts earlier this year. Curated by Tess Maunder, the exhibition explores ideas surrounding ecological systems, ancient knowledge, celestial blueprints and tidal movements across the land, sea and sky known as Australasia, part of the wider Asia­-Pacific and the ‘Great Ocean’. The exhibition includes work by artists Amrita Hepi, Susie Losch, Raqs Media Collective, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Jimmy John Thaiday and Trevor Yeung.

We’re thrilled to see Planetary Gestures touring to Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre in Dandenong, Melbourne. The opening preview is this Saturday, 23 September from 2PM-4PM with the exhibition running until 3 November 2023.


Location: Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, Cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong
Opening Hours: Tues-Fri 12pm – 4pm
Exhibition runs from 26 SEPTEMBER 2023 until 3 NOVEMBER 2023


 

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