First Nations art showcased on local NBN boxes

ARTWORKS by local First Nations people feature on NBN boxes across Greater Geelong to celebrate National Reconciliation Week.

The City of Greater Geelong revealed two First Nations designs by Norm Stanley and Jenna Oldaker at Marshall Reserve on Mornane Road.

Mrs Oldaker’s artwork ‘Ton Ton (Brain)’ represents the mind coming to life in colour and includes U shapes and dots to showcase people moving around on Wadawurrung Country and sharing stories, history and culture.

Norm Stanley’s artwork features red, grey and white hues and tells the story of ‘The Setting Sun of the Serpent’ from his childhood.

Mr Stanley’s piece showcases the serpent slithering through a fiery sky after the sun disappears from the horizon.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the First Nations NBN boxes were an exciting opportunity to showcase the region’s strong commitment to First Nations culture, innovation and excellence.

“These commissions are an important way to take First Nations designs to communal spaces so that our community can see First Nations artwork out in public,” Cr Sullivan said.

“It is inspiring to see artists share their creativity and culture, bringing bold colours to our streets that deepen a sense of belonging for our residents and enhance the First Nations understanding of our visitors.

“I thank the first two First Nations artists that have brought this project to life, Norm Stanley and Jenna Oldaker.”

NBN’s Jessica Cotter said offering local First Nations artist a canvas to showcase their art was an exceptional use of the boxes.

“We are really pleased with the beautiful artwork that tell stories of heritage and culture that we see wrapping the first two boxes.

“We look forward to seeing how our NBN nodes are further utilised within the commission to share Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designs and stories.”

The artistic project is a courtesy of a collaboration between the City of Greater Geelong, First Nations artists and NBN Co and has been developed in consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.

Locals wanting to have their designs commissioned on one of the seven further NBN boxes across the region are told to put in an Expression of Interest.

For more, head to www.geelongaustralia.com.au/news/item/8db4a5a6c1d29f0.aspx