Critical Path is excited to announce Erica Dixon as our 2025 Truth Telling Research Resident.
Erica Dixon will begin research into her new project in our blood, on their pages.
FROM THE ARTIST:
“Through this opportunity with Critical Path, and with the guidance of a First Nations curator and access to the AIATSIS and Powerhouse Indigenous archives, I’m stepping into the shadows of history – tracing the barely recorded movements of my ancestors. My focus lies on the forced removals and relocations of Gomeroi people from our homelands in Northern NSW – especially around the Pilliga, Narrabri, Moree, and Wee Waa.
I’ll be searching for fragments: clan group histories, names buried in official documents, diary entries, field notes, letters – anything that might offer a glimpse of truth or lead me back to family. For years I’ve followed threads, but they’ve only taken me so far. Now I’m ready to go deeper – to search in places most people don’t think to look.
This research isn’t just for me. It will shape the next stage of my dance practice – transforming it from a response to disconnection into an offering of strength, clarity, and reconnection. It’s about giving voice to silenced histories, honouring my ancestors – my pop, who didn’t get the chance to practice his Culture – reconnecting with my own family’s history, and creating work that inspires other young First Nations people to be proud of who they are and where they come from.”
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ERICA DIXON
Erica Dixon is a proud Gomeroi woman from Bingara, Northern New South Wales. Deeply connected to her Culture and community, she has recently graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Professional Dance Practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples from NAISDA Dance College. Under the guidance of Jasmin Sheppard and Katina Olsen, Erica refined her skills in both contemporary and Cultural dance practice. Throughout her studies, Erica has participated in numerous workshops and performances with leading Australian artists and has contributed to NAISDA’s mid-year and end-of-year productions from 2021 to 2024. Her passion lies in Contemporary Indigenous Dance – a fusion of traditional First Nations storytelling with contemporary movement. Erica draws inspiration from her Cultural heritage, using dance as a medium to connect, educate, and empower. Through movement, she shares stories that honour her ancestors and celebrate the strength of First Nations identity. Looking ahead, Erica envisions herself working on creative industry projects and leading Cultural programs in schools and communities through Garwoeidhamin Mayan, a business she co-founded with two other women. Their mission focuses on the storytelling, sharing and re-education of her Peoples’ Culture. Anything that helps inspire the next generation to be proud of who they are and where they’ve come from.
Image: Erica Dixon, photo credit: Tayla Jackson.
This Truth Telling residency is apart of Critical Path First Nations program HOLDING SPACE curated by Jasmin Sheppard. It is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principle arts investment and advisory body, as well as the NSW Government through Create NSW. This project is delivered in partnership with Powerhouse and AIATSIS.