Bajirru! there you all are, hello! From the Yanyuwa language of Balarinji’s origin community Borroloola NT
Jinangu awara wabarrangu barra kalu-wingka marnijinju wabudala kari-nguthundawabarrangu jinangu Australia li-wulu marnaji barra liyi-Yanyuwawu awara li-Marranbala li-Arrwangala li-Gudanji jinangu awara Burrulula marnaji yamulhu
Our Country we belong to is Borroloola. Yanyuwa, Marra, Gudanji and Garrawa people.We welcome everyone to this land Australia.
Yanyuwa elder Samuel Evans Jamika
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. are respectfully advised this website contains references, artworks and images of people who have passed
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IFM Investors

Workplace Aboriginal Art Strategy

#Community engagement #Curation #Interiors #Public art #Workplace
Artist
Alex Kerr
Year
2024
Location
Melbourne
Balarinji was engaged by IFM Investors and Facilitate Corporation to develop an Aboriginal art strategy, curate artworks and deliver interpretive content as part of a new office fitout at 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Spanning four levels, the office design is deeply connected to Place and aims to meaningfully honour the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people and their living culture.

Balarinji developed and implemented an Aboriginal art strategy in co-design with locally-connected Wurundjeri knowledge holders.

This process shaped the foundational cultural narratives and themes for art concepts and also guided the curatorial direction of the project.

Key opportunities were identified to embed cultural narratives into the spatial design of the project. Central design opportunities included the stairwell spine, water points, collaborative workspaces, natural places of movement and gathering.

Balarinji appointed Wurundjeri artist Alex Kerr to co-design the artworks and interpretative content  which weaves across the four levels of the office, creating a journey grounded in place and culture.

Alex’s work explores the significance of the moieties in Wurundjeri culture, the eagle, crow and bat, as powerful symbols of connection to Country. Themes of water and gathering flow throughout the work, reinforcing the idea of shared space and cultural unity.

The journey begins in the reception area with a custom designed rug symbolising water and gathering, accompanied by a table etched with the three Woi-wurrung moieties:

Bunjil (Eagle): The creator spirit of Country and men
Balayang (Bat): The creator of women
Waa (Crow): The spirit protector

Each descending level is anchored by one of the moieties, represented through floor designs around the water points. These areas are both symbolic and practical, places where people naturally come together.

Complementing the physical artworks, an LED screen in the reception displays an Acknowledgement of Country, while additional screens throughout the levels provide context and story behind each artwork element.

Artist: Alex Kerr

Alex Kerr is a proud Wurundjeri man who is passionate about sharing and preserving his culture.

He connects with people through his artwork, consulting, education, and traditional ceremonies. He believes in making culture accessible and relatable, whether working one-on-one, speaking at events, or showcasing his art.

His approach is simple –sharing traditions and stories in a way that invites conversation and learning.