Blak Swan a feather

ANYONE taking a look at the North Gardens Indigenous Sculpture Park recently may have spotted the finishing touches being placed on Kunuwarra (Blak Swan), a new public artwork by Wadawurrung artist Kait James.

The installation opposite Lake Wendouree will be formally unveiled on Wednesday 2 July as a feature of the City of Ballarat’s NAIDOC Week program.

The work features the feathers of one of Ballarat’s most loved local characters, the Black Swan (Cygnus atratus), a treasured and iconic symbol of the city and lake precinct.

James’ piece is the second major artwork commissioned for the city’s North Gardens Indigenous Sculpture Park, building on the site’s role as an inclusive, cultural space.

Next month’s NAIDOC Week launch will be a community-led event, guided by the artist herself, and Wadawurrung People.

It will include a Welcome to Country, smoking and cultural ceremonies with everyone welcome to attend.

James said she is excited to see the new sculpture installed and to be able to share it with Ballarat residents and visitors.

“The work celebrates the cultural significance of black swans to Wadawurrung people, particularly women, and speaks of protection, matriarchal strength and cultural continuity,” she said.

“It is a tribute to the resilience of our people and the enduring presence of Wadawurrung culture on Country.

“It’s a real honour to have Kunuwarra included within the North Gardens Indigenous Sculpture Park at Lake Wendouree.

“This park is becoming an important cultural destination that celebrates First Peoples stories and ongoing connection to Country, and I am incredibly grateful to the City of Ballarat for their commitment to creating and supporting this space.”

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the completion of Kunuwarra is an important milestone for the city’s public art collection.

“The City of Ballarat is proud to support the addition of Kunuwarra (Blak Swan) to our public art collection, enriching the North Gardens Sculpture

Park as a place for community connection, reflection and cultural exchange,” she said.