The Subi East project sees the rejuvenation of 35ha of land to create a vibrant new north-eastern gateway to Subiaco – one that respects and celebrates the rich heritage of the area, while realising the importance of its prominent location on the doorstep of the Perth CBD.
Celebrating Noongar Katidjin (knowledge) on Noongar boodjar (Country), the Subi East artwork project is the biggest State Government investment in Aboriginal public art to date. DevelopmentWA Transformed the underutilised land at the city end of Subiaco into a vibrant, well-connected city village with Noongar culture at its core.
The design of the Subi East redevelopment was guided by the Whadjuk Elders Reference Group. It is a culturally led project with Noongar lore and knowledge given the respect it deserves. As a major State government initiative, DevelopmentWA has invested in a professional development program that will deliver six permanent artworks for Subi East and will have a legacy impact and skills development of Noongar artists.
Apparatus prepared a public art masterplan for the site and developed the professional development program working with DevelopmentWA, Aboriginal Development Managers, Karrda, the Whadjuk Elders Reference Group, artist mentors, and other specialists to provide a wrap-around capacity building program for Noongar artists. “The thinking is to deliver impressive artworks that tell the story of the six seasons while developing the skills of the artists involved so they are able to evolve professionally” says Helen Curtis, Director at Apparatus. “We’re working towards an Australia where First Nations stories and artworks by First Nations artists are given prominence in our public spaces.”
The six selected Noongar artists each created an artwork marking a season, with the support of the expert team.
