Eight First Nations artists will adorn seven NBN boxes with art celebrating the culture of indigenous Australians by the end of this year.
The successful artists are Ricky Abrahams, Bri Apma Hayes, Djamari and Lowell Hunter, Nikki McKenzie, Michelle Searle, Billy Jay O’Toole and Chloe Wegener.
The First Nations NBN Box Design Commissions project, a collaboration between the City of Greater Geelong, First Nations artists and NBN Co., was developed in consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.
Artists tendered expressions of interest and then underwent a selection process during May and June.
Their work will form a route as part of a new arts trail leading from Marshall Reserve into central Geelong.
Nikki McKenzie said she was honoured to be chosen to have her work featured on the NBN boxes.
“I see them as a reminder to the wider public that this is Aboriginal land,” Ms McKenzie said.
“Wherever you go, you see constant reminders in the forms of artwork – ‘Always was and always will be’.”
Fellow artist Chloe Wegener said that this was the first time that she had expressed her interest for a commission and she felt excited to have her artwork selected.
“It is such a great opportunity for First Nations artists to show their work publicly,” Ms Wegener said.
“My art is influenced by colours and feelings and speaks to the interconnectedness to land, featuring the connection to Country and greenery around us.”
NBN Co. general manager of national stakeholder engagement Andrea Appleby said the project prompted important conversations and enhanced the broader community’s understanding of Geelong’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,” Ms Appleby said.
