Turning on Djaara Lights

THIS November, colour and culture is coming to Oscars Walk.

Installation has begun on the Djaara Lights project, featuring digital projections and neon artworks telling stories of the Dja Dja Wurrung people.

The night-time display will be on show along the Bendigo Creek, from the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank building to the Telstra Exchange Building.

Djaara CEO Rodney Carter said First Nations artists Drew Berick and Troy Firebrace have led the project, working alongside 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

“Djaara Lights will provide a heightened platform to showcase Dja Dja Wurrung culture, language and art,” Mr Carter said. “It showcases the imagination and artistry of two talented Djaara artists.

“Dja Dja Wurrung People have gone from strength to strength as we rebuild our lives and reinforce the significant contributions we can bring to the broader community’s wellbeing.”

The art activations will explore the Dja Dja Wurrung six seasons and include 9.6-metre illuminated mural I Am Djaara and an augmented reality experience.

Creative Drew Berick said he has enjoyed mentoring the younger artists involved in the project.

“It is an overwhelming feeling of pride and privilege to be part of the Djaara lights project,” he said. “Working with the younger artists to guide them and lead them has been rewarding.

“I have been incredibly fortunate with the successes I have had through creating art, but this project in particular is very exciting and humbling.”

Troy Firebrace said he hopes the night attraction will encourage education about his culture.

“Being a part of Djaara Lights strengthens the voice of Djaara culture in the community,” he said. “It contains visual elements that will prompt conversations and further learning about Djaara.”

Indigenous technology company Indigital, Bendigo Tech School and ACMI have all helped with the technical components of the installation.

Djaara Lights will be unveiled on Saturday, 6 November.