Embracing Indigenous heritage through public spaces

Tina Brown continues by saying, “the Indigenous cultures of Australia are the oldest living cultural history in the world – they go back at least 65,000 years. Indigenous communities keep their cultural heritage alive by passing their knowledge, arts, ceremonies and performances from one generation to another, speaking and teaching languages, protecting cultural materials, sacred and significant sites, and objects.” It is with this cultural and historical significance and importance in mind that we embrace and incorporate indigenous heritage and design through public spaces, and pay respect to the traditional custodians of the lands, skies and waterways of the land on which these projects are built. 

This is seen most recently in Yagan Square, located in Perth’s CBD, which hosts art from the Whadjuk people. The intention for these artworks was to display the strong Aboriginal narrative and give space to showcase the work of the traditional owners of the land. The result of this is a community square that allows for traditional cultural influence. 

Burwood Brickworks, located in Victoria, incorporates Indigenous heritage through art that acts as the main feature of the space. The development is located on the traditional lands of the patrilineal Wurundjeri-wilam clan. Here, public art is used as a means to educate, and has an important story-telling power. 

Frasers Property, the team behind the development, commissioned Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai Illum Wurrung artist, Mandy Nicholson through the Indigenous Design Studio, Balarinji  to create a mural that pays homage to the surrounding Country and the history of the land. Balarinji explains how, “the first rich culture of this Country is important for everyone to learn. This artwork highlights that Aboriginal culture can exist in an urban context and is dynamic and alive”.(1) The art featured at Burwood Brickworks provides a significant and important opportunity for the local community to learn more about the Indigenous heritage of the area, and to understand the culture of the traditional custodians of the land.

Perth’s Broome Chinatown recently underwent a significant revitalisation to breathe new life into the space and be better equipped for tourism and local foot-traffic. A key feature of the space is the Jila artwork created by Yawuru and Karrijarri artist Martha Lee. This piece of art is a means of recognising the freshwater soaks in the area. Jila means living spring waterhole, and the artwork seeks to recall the Yawruru heritage that exists beneath the streets of the existing town. 

By embracing indigenous heritage through public spaces, we are able to educate and develop our understanding, appreciation and thanks to the traditional custodians of the land. With Indigenous heritage as a significant part of our Australian culture, we can show our support and our appreciation through the implementation and display of indigeous heritage, art and culture through public spaces.

“The intention for these artworks was to display the strong Aboriginal narrative and give space to the work of the traditional owners of the land.”

“The intention for these artworks was to display the strong Aboriginal narrative and give space to the work of the traditional owners of the land.”

Footnotes:

(1) https://www.balarinji.com.au/post/aboriginal-artwork-unveiled-at-new-burwood-brickworks