City sculpture a First Nations celebration

A SCULPTURE created by Bendigo artists has been installed outside the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre in central Melbourne.

The 4.6-metre-tall artwork depicts an arm and hand holding up a woven basket and was created by six Victorian First Nations artists, four of whom are from Bendigo.

Locals Annie Brigdale, Lorraine Brigdale, Janet Bromley, Trina Dalton-Oogjes, along with Georgia Macguire and Glenda Nicholls are part of Ngardang Girri Kalat Mimini, a First Nations women and non-binary art collective.

“This striking, unforgettable artwork is a fitting testament to the strength and creativity of First Nations women, past and present, and a celebration of First Nations artists,” said State Minister for Women, Natalie Hutchins.

“I’m proud to launch this beautiful sculpture as part of the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program which is increasing the number of permanent public artworks celebrating women across the state.”

The Victorian Women’s Public Art Program is part of a State Government effort to address the imbalance between sculptures and statues depicting men and women.

As part of the program, $1 million is being spent on six works of public art, with two already installed.

One was placed at Stawell and celebrates disability rights campaigner and comedian Stella Young, while a second statue honouring World War One doctor Vera Scantlebury was officially unveiled at Linton, south-west of Ballarat in April.