SYDNEY TRAINS
REDFERN STATION IMPROVEMENT WORKS
Sydney Trains engaged Balarinji to collaborate with the Redfern Aboriginal community to art direct and facilitate Public Art themes and concepts for the Redfern Station improvement works.
Balarinji engaged with endorsed community organisations to confirm the key themes for interpretation at the site. This engagement guided art workshops that Balarinji delivered, with artists that Balarinji identified and the community nominated.
Four local artists were appointed as a curatorium, comprising Dolly Brown, James Simon, Suzy Evans and lead curator Adam Hill (aka Blak Douglas).
Balarinji guided the curatorium to develop integrated art elements for Redfern Station: bollards, glazing & a sculptural tree guard of interlinked goannas.
“
Redfern is the epicentre of Aboriginal culture in Australia today. And the local community’s Indigenous history has been respectfully incorporated into the Redfern Station Refurbish - Gibbons Street entrance.
Balarinji, an Indigenous Strategy and Design Company, was engaged by Sydney Trains to design artwork for the station precinct that would acknowledge the local Aboriginal community’s unique connection to the land and waterways.
Throughout the revitalised station entrance, the marine motif design is full view with artwork depicting whales, dugongs and fish.
The Aboriginal Employment Unit – Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink were proud to collaborate with such hardworking and passionate Balarinji staff that ensured timelines and project deliverables were met.
Balarinji’s community engagement and consultation process ensures that all community have a voice, are included in the journey and respected when it comes to sharing Aboriginal artwork stories and designs.
Angela Webb, Manager Aboriginal Employment, Sydney Trains – Transport for NSW, 2019
”
“
I am a Gadigal Elder of the Eora Nation, born and raised in Redfern. Being from this community and spending most of my time here, it was great to see the Aboriginal community engaged in the development of the Redfern Station upgrade with Balarinji and Sydney Trains.
The wonderful team at Balarinji ensured the project would celebrate the Aboriginal stories and our connection to Country. The workshops were well organised with great outcomes from them, the community members were listened to. The team continually connected with the attendees and the artists who were appointed to ensure a cohesive artwork design, something that represented the Redfern community well.
I enjoy working with Balarinji and meeting with John and his team.
Allen Madden, Gadigal Elder & Sydney Traditional Custodian, 2019
”
