Local Aboriginal artists have a unique opportunity for their works of art to serve an important role reflecting our region’s rich First People’s heritage at the Mildura Visitor Information Centre (VIC).
The VIC’s interpretative displays are in the midst of a major refresh, including the existing Aboriginal Interpretative Display Wall, which was first installed more than 25 years ago.
As part of the makeover, VIC and Mildura Rural City Council staff, together with Ngiwa Yarna Committee members and First People of the Millewa Mallee, are updating the Aboriginal Interpretative Display Wall, which will feature the work of a local Indigenous artist.
Mildura’s Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Arts, Culture and Heritage Helen Healy said local artists were encouraged to submit expressions of interest to have their work feature on the display wall.
“This is a powerful opportunity for local Aboriginal artists to use their creative talent to help tell the story of their people where it will be seen by hundreds of thousands of people,” Cr Healy said.
“Our Visitor Information Centre welcomes about 80,000 visitors from all over the world each year and is often one of the first stops for visitors seeking local information.
“From a cultural perspective, this is obviously such a valuable opportunity, but from a purely artistic perspective I can’t think of many more prominent locations in our region to have an artist’s work displayed than the Mildura Visitor Information Centre.”
Work on the interpretative displays has so far focused on creation of a wireframe concept, setting out the basic layout for the information walls.
Individual elements will now be designed by local Aboriginal artists, sourced through the expression of interest process.
In addition to these smaller individual elements, a larger mural design may also be incorporated into the display.
Expressions of interest are open until Friday, 8 September and can be submitted online at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/VICEOI.
