Marika Davies is a proud Wangkangurru woman of the Simpson Desert, Birdsville area. She is an emerging artist and independent curator currently living and working in Port Augusta, South Australia. Her interest in pursuing a career in the art industry developed organically through her love and passion for art and its history, and wanting to give back to her community in Port Augusta who nurtured her passion and cultural growth. She is intent on a curatorial career continuing her history of work within the community.
Marika is a talented storyteller, finding new ways to tell stories through curating, painting, jewellery making, photography, radio, and film. She undertook a mentorship with Tarnanthi Festival Director Nici Cumpston OAM and Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery Director Ursula Halpin, and was subsequently appointed regional Curator for Tarnanthi, working with Country Arts SA.
In 2018 and 2019, Marika undertook a curatorial internship for Vietnam: One In, All In where she actively assisted throughout project development, gaining experience that helped to springboard her career as an emerging curator.
In 2019, Marika attended the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair as part of the Aboriginal Curators Program and Symposium.
Marika attended the Port Augusta Emerging Film Development Program workshop and was co-director / co-writer for Mulka Man, which was screened at Nunga Screen (2020). She co-wrote Dusty Feet Mob: This Story’s True and filmed Full Circle.
More recently Marika undertook a Podcasting for Beginners Workshop an initiative of the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), Country Arts SA and Riverland Youth Theatre. In September 2021, Marika’s podcast was aired on ABC radio.