Community art project launched at Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre

A community work that celebrates the history and culture of Mandurah is now on display at the Mandurah Recreation and Aquatic Center.

The 3M long acrylic paint is titled One Place, many voices.

As a result of the collaboration with the award -winning local aboriginal Deborah Bonar and the members of the guest community, the work of art joined in an event earlier this year.

The mayor of Mandurah, Caroline Knight, said that the piece represented the diverse community of Mandurah, the cultural narration, the shared values ​​and the connection with the river paths.

“It was incredibly special that our diverse community joined to help create something lasting and significant,” he said.

Bonar is an artist based in Mandurah who has exhibited widely on WA and has previously won the coveted Cossack Art.

The piece combines aspects of the Gija and Yamaji inheritance of Bonar with contemporary painting techniques.

Bonar said it was a great privilege to facilitate such a great work of art.

“This opportunity to work with a community -oriented art project encourages creativity, creates awareness of the community and covers contemporary aboriginal art and its stories,” he said.

“I want to extend a sincere thanks to all those who were involved for their incredible contribution to the community canvas, an impressive and inspiring special piece that remains close to all our hearts.”

Mrs. Knight said the work of art honored the indigenous heritage of Mandurah and celebrated MandjoogoGordap as a historical meeting place for the Bindjareb people noongar.

“This community canvas is just a way in which we are strengthening our commitment to the inclusion and configuration of a vibrant community that is connected to its people and nature,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to come to see this piece and celebrate the many voices that make our community so unique.”

The piece is exhibited in the lobby of the Center for Aquatic and Recreation of Mandurah until May 25 before moving to its permanent home in the City Council of the City of Mandurah.

The project and the implementation of the work of art were financed by the Federal Government through the National Council of Australia Day, which granted $ 15,000 for activities related to Australia’s Day.