NAIDOC Week to light up City Hall

GEELONG’S City Hall will come alive with vibrant imagery and colour as First Nations artists’ works are projected onto its façade during NAIDOC Week from July 7 to July 14.

The event celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said he was looking forward to the week.

“The First Nations Art Projections program will be valuable for community members of all ages and backgrounds to see,” Cr Sullivan said.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud,’ honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture.

Fire symbolises the connection to Country, community, and the rich traditions defining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“We’re excited to transform City Hall through the stunning and thought-provoking art of our local artists,” Cr Sullivan said.

“These artworks represent our First People’s talent, culture and stories and will spark conversations and a sense of appreciation and pride.”

The city will present the First Nations Art Projections each night at City Hall from 5.30pm to 11pm.

Local multimedia projection artist Matt Bonner, in collaboration with sound artist Lyndon Perry on didgeridoo, will showcase a showreel of works by various First Nations artists, including Nathan Patterson, Billy-Jay O’Toole, Ricky Abrahams, Bri Apma Hayes, Nikki McKenzie, Chloe Chatterton, Chloe Wegener, Gerard Black, Jessi Rebel, Joshua James, Kiri Tawhai, Lowell Hunter and Djamari Hunter, Michelle Searle, Tracey Pocock, and Jenna Oldaker.

Geelong deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said NAIDOC Week was always a great learning opportunity.

“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to learn more about First Nations people and their immense contributions to Greater Geelong and Australia,” Cr Aitken said.

“Australia is incredibly lucky to be home to one of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

“First Nations artists in our region have a distinct and unique story to tell and I encourage the community to open their hearts and listen.”