Celebrate NAIDOC Week with Art that Speaks

From July 7-14, this country comes alive with the vibrant spirit of NAIDOC Week, embracing the theme: Keep the Fire Burning: Blak, Loud and Proud.

This week ignites the flame of culture, celebrating unity, resilience, and pride and lighting up the sky with heritage. It’s a time to honour the unyielding spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and amplify their voices.

What better way to do this than celebrating and showcasing stunning Indigenous artwork in our public spaces?

Conversations and learning

NAIDOC Week has its origins in the 1938 ‘Day of Mourning’ protest held on Australia Day, a pivotal moment highlighting the treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Originally, NAIDOC stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee,’ the group behind the initial events. Today, it symbolises the entire festival. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to contemplate the significance of Aboriginal land rights and the profound, enduring connection Indigenous peoples have with their country.

A visual language

Indigenous art is more than aesthetics; it’s a powerful cultural narrative, history, and language. Drysdale River National Park in the Kimberley, on Balanggarra land, is home to Australia’s oldest-known rock paintings. These evocative depictions of kangaroos and Gwion figures, dating back 17,300 years, offer insight into social groups, ceremonial practices, and the enduring legacy of Aboriginal culture. Beyond their beauty, they preserve ancient knowledge, principles, traditions, songlines, and dreamings.

Public art narratives

The rising visibility and celebration of Aboriginal culture in public art weave the stories, traditions, and triumphs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities into spaces of profound impact. Yagan Square, nestled in Perth CBD, features art from the Whadjuk people, creating a community space that celebrates traditional cultural influence. In Victoria, Burwood Brickworks integrates Indigenous heritage into its public art as a powerful educational tool. Recently, Sydney hosted The National Indigenous Art Fair on Gadigal Land, spotlighting the diversity and creativity of Indigenous Australian artistry.

Unique pieces

At Felton, we recognise the power of artwork to create connections. We’re excited to integrate our Caring for Country Outdoor Furniture Range into schools, parks and community spaces. This range features the striking and meaningful work of Indigenous artist Brett Parker ‘Billyara,’ from the Wiradjuri tribe of Murrumbidgee River people. More than just functional, our furniture enriches environments and embodies connection, providing spaces where people can gather, learn, and celebrate Aboriginal culture.

Interactive art

Drawing on 30 years of experience as an artist and educator, Brett brings our beautiful benches, tables and bin enclosures to life with colour and story. Scan the QR code to hear the story behind Brett’s art and discover how it reflects the sustainable land management practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, essential for keeping their culture alive and thriving. This interactive learning experience aims to deepen appreciation for Indigenous culture and history.

Celebrating sustainability

Brett’s Caring for Country story highlights the essence of sustainability, a principle we mirror in our furniture construction. Each piece is meticulously crafted from high-quality aluminium with a durable woodgrain finish, ensuring durability and requiring minimal maintenance. By choosing these settings, you create inspiring and resonant spaces that promote environmental stewardship and honour Indigenous culture.

Join the conversation

Whether sitting on a sunlit bench, having a picnic or strolling by a beautifully designed bin enclosure, engage in a meaningful cultural conversation by embracing our Caring for Country Outdoor Furniture Range. This NAIDOC Week, ignite the spirit of celebration and immerse yourself in local events.