The artwork of eight First Nations artists has been selected to feature on seven NBN boxes around the Geelong region.
The First Nations NBN Box Design Commissions project is a collaboration between the City of Greater Geelong, First Nations artists and NBN Co and aims to celebrate and showcase First Nations art and culture.
Following an Expression of Interest and selection process during May and June, the following artists were chosen to transform NBN boxes through art:
- Billy Jay O’Toole
- Bri Apma Hayes
- Chloe Wegener
- Djamari and Lowell Hunter
- Michelle Searle
- Nikki McKenzie
- Ricky Abrahams
By the end of the year, a total of nine First Nations NBN box designs will form a route as part of a new arts trail leading from Marshall Reserve into central Geelong.
The project has been developed in consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative who have provided guidance and advice on the project.
NAIDOC Week is underway until this Sunday 9 July 2023, with this year’s theme of ‘For Our Elders’ aiming to put First Nations People’s voices front and centre.
Celebrations and activities are underway across the region including the digital projections by local First Nation artist John Patten at City Hall every evening from dusk until 11:00pm.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
Congratulations to the eight artists who have been selected for the First Nations NBN Box Artwork Series.
The artwork set to feature on NBN boxes is striking and thoughtful, tells important stories and amplifies the voices of First Nations people.
The First Nations selection panel found the successful artists stood out through their artwork’s narrative and the depth of connection it evokes for our whole community.
We are proud to showcase the thriving arts and culture of our diverse First Nations community to a wider audience through these commissions, while also beautifying the environment and creating a sense of place.
Andrea Appleby – NBN Co General Manager – National Stakeholder Engagement
The collaborative project is significant because it prompts important conversations and enhances the broader community’s understanding of our region’s First Nations community.
Greater Geelong has the largest population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Victoria, all with different perspectives and stories, and the series offers the opportunity to share a part of that.
We look forward to seeing the next seven First Nations designs wrap NBN boxes by the end of the year.
The first two First Nations designed NBN boxes from Jenna Oldaker and Norm Stanley, installed at Marshall Reserve in May, are vibrant and well worth checking out.
Nikki McKenzie – artist
I am honoured to be picked as an artist to be featured on the NBN boxes.
I see them as a reminder to the wider public that this is Aboriginal land.
Wherever you go, you see constant reminders in the forms of artwork – Always Was and Always Will Be.
Chloe Wegener – artist
This is the first time that I’ve expressed my interest for a commission and I feel so excited that my artwork was selected.
It is such a great opportunity for First Nations artists to show their work publicly.
My art is influenced by colours and feelings and speaks to the interconnectedness to land, featuring the connection to Country and greenery around us.
