Imagine being given the opportunity to tap into generations of cultural knowledge and years of artistic experience to help showcase culture and creativity through public art for all to enjoy.

That’s exactly what’s been achieved through a three-day integrated workshop with Noongar artists to create public art in the parks, playgrounds, landscaped areas and new stations for the METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project.

Held in June, the workshops are an important forum for artists to ask questions and receive feedback from mentors, helping to build capacity and employment opportunities and give more artists a chance to create culturally rich public art pieces for new METRONET stations.

The initiative is a collaboration between METRONET, project contractor Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance (ALUA), Hassell Architects and ARTIFY Consulting.

L to R: Renee Glastonbury - Artify Consulting, and mother and daughter artistic duo Dellas Bennell-Yarran and Korrine Bennell Karrak Designs

Elders from the METRONET Noongar Reference Group (MNRG) provided a Welcome to Country and engaged in one-on-one mentoring sessions with workshop participants, providing cultural advice and guidance to build a greater understanding of cultural protocols.

Established Noongar artists Peter and Miranda Farmer also shared their experience, offering invaluable insight and advice on applying for public art commissions, creating public art pieces, and developing ideas and concepts.

L to R: artists Yondee Shane Hansen and Ken Farmer

Representatives from the Transport Portfolio Aboriginal Engagement Team and ALUA Aboriginal Engagement and Participation Team also attended to help facilitate conversations and collaboration between artists, mentors, and Elders.

The workshops align with the METRONET Public Art and Gnarla Biddi strategies.

Artist workshop participants