14 Feb 2024
VACCA are proud to announce the launch of a community arts project aimed at celebrating local Aboriginal culture. The project, led by VACCA Ovens Murray in consultation with local Elders, Traditional Owner Jesse Cooper and respected community members, will see the creation of a large mural across the front of the VACCA Wangaratta building on Faithfull Street.
A group of young artists aged 14-19 years from the Bangarang / Yorta Yorta region will work alongside contemporary Aboriginal artist Tamara Murray to design and create the mural, with work due to start on February 19, 2024.
The young artists, who are engaged with local community projects or VACCA programs, will use their lived experience and connection to the local area to create an artwork that reflects its cultural significance and meaning to local community and young people.
The mural's design will feature Wangaratta and its surrounding areas, incorporating elements such as the connection of the Ovens and King rivers and the region's diverse flora and fauna, acknowledging traditional custodians and their enduring connection to the land.
A panel of local Aboriginal Elders, Traditional Owner Jesse Cooper, and respected community members will oversee the project, which celebrates Aboriginal culture and will provide a visual representation of VACCA’s vision of self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
As well as showcasing the artistic talent of local young people, the mural project highlights VACCA’s commitment to the local communities we work alongside. Through projects like this VACCA works to embed culture within local regions and provide young Aboriginal people with opportunities to connect with their culture and community.
When finished, the mural will span approximately 10 meters in length and 4 meters in height and will be a striking visual centerpiece in the area, celebrating Aboriginal culture and the resilience, strength and pride of the region’s young Indigenous people.
Work on the mural is expected to be finished by late February, 2024, and plans for a community celebration to unveil the artwork are underway.
- ENDS -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 14 Feb 2024
Beth Cesarin – Senior Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
T: 0439 117 408 / E: bethc@vacca.org
Tamrah Johnson – Director, VACCA Ovens Murray
T: 0438 296 513 / E: tamrahj@vacca.org
ABOUT VACCA - www.vacca.org
The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is the State’s leading Aboriginal child and family services organisation, and the largest provider of services for Aboriginal family violence and homelessness. We have been supporting children, young people and families in the community for over 47 years, as an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO).
Through our vision of self-determination – Live, Experience, and Be – we exist to support culturally strong, safe and thriving Aboriginal communities. We deliver over 70 programs across Victoria including child and family services, family violence, support for stolen generations, child protection, cultural strengthening programs, mental health, financial services, justice and redress support, early years and homelessness services.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we work. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present, and to their children and young people who are the future elders and caretakers of this great land.