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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Next month’s NAIDOC Week launch will be a community-led event, guided by the artist herself, and Wadawurrung People.<\/p>\n
It will include a Welcome to Country, smoking and cultural ceremonies with everyone welcome to attend.<\/p>\n
James said she is excited to see the new sculpture installed and to be able to share it with Ballarat residents and visitors.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“It is a tribute to the resilience of our people and the enduring presence of Wadawurrung culture on Country.<\/p>\n
“It’s a real honour to have Kunuwarra included within the North Gardens Indigenous Sculpture Park at Lake Wendouree.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the completion of Kunuwarra is an important milestone for the city’s public art collection.<\/p>\n
“The City of Ballarat is proud to support the addition of Kunuwarra (Blak Swan) to our public art collection, enriching the North Gardens Sculpture<\/p>\n
Park as a place for community connection, reflection and cultural exchange,” she said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n