A permanent marker is being planned for Moonee Valley to honour the Stolen Generations who were forcibly removed from their families by Australian government agencies and church missions between 1910 and the 1970s.
Moonee Valley City Council is inviting First Nations artists to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the design, which will be installed within Napier Park.
Mayor, Rose Iser said the public artwork would provide a place for reflection and healing for the community.
“Supporting public art through commissions is really important at the local level,” the Mayor said.
“Our experience shows it can result in beautiful pieces of work being gifted to the community. This latest commission means we can sensitively and artistically respect the trauma experienced by Stolen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, their families and communities.
“Once installed, it will create a place of significance for our community to gather and reflect.”
The project is an initiative of Council’s Bagarru Bagarru Djerring (Shoulder to Shoulder Together) Reconciliation Plan and Policy 2022-2025.
The plan identifies actions and projects that improve awareness and address the ongoing impact of colonisation experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
First Nations’ artists, who have a connection to Victoria, can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with plans for council to work in partnership with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders on the design and installation.
A full artist brief is available to download, and additional support is available if required.
EOIs will be open from Monday 29 June until Sunday 9 August. Shortlisted artists will be notified by Monday 24 August.
Visit the MVCC website for more information.
