On behalf of Djaara Lights project partners Djaara and the City of Greater Bendigo, we are pleased to announce that two Dja Dja Wurrung artists have been commissioned to lead the development of three public artworks for Djaara Lights.
Artists Drew Berick and Troy Firebrace will explore the Dja Dja Wurrung Six Seasons to create several light-based contemporary artworks using projections, a large scale illuminated artwork and an Augmented Reality experience, which will be co-created with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The public artworks will be located along Oscars Walk, starting at the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank forecourt and will end at the Telstra Exchange Building on Short Street.
Djaara CEO Rodney Carter said he was delighted the artists had been commissioned to develop three significant and exciting contemporary artworks for the community to enjoy.
"Troy and Drew have developed initial concepts and we are looking forward to seeing their artwork come to life over the next six months, Mr Carter said.
"The development of the Augmented Reality artworks will start this week and the artists will lead 16 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to create drawings that will be converted to 3D artworks.
"This is a technically challenging project that wouldn't be possible without a diverse project team.
"We're thrilled that renowned Indigenous edutech company Indigital will be in Bendigo and that specialist education and technical partners Bendigo Tech School and ACMI will be on hand to create the Six Seasons' artworks."
Djaara Lights is a project that places Traditional Owner knowledge at the forefront of an artistic practice. It will showcase the six seasons in a way it has not been shared before and will place people in Country while learning more about Dja Dja Wurrung people.
City of Greater Bendigo Joint Project Manager Maree Tonkin said this was an important step forward to celebrate and acknowledge Traditional Owner stories through new and exciting public art works.
"Djaara Lights is poised to become a significant cultural destination and the project partners will be working closely to support the artists to achieve their vision for this complex and ambitions project."
With Creative Victoria's Creative Activation Fund funding, the artworks are expected to be unveiled towards the end of 2021 and will be on display for at least three years or more in the city centre.
