New Art Project On The East Gippsland Rail Trail
A new public art experience has been unveiled on Victoria’s East Gippsland Rail Trail from Bairnsdale to Orbost.
Local artists Alice Pepper and Patricia Pittman were joined by visiting artists David ‘MEGGS’ Hooke, LING and Minna Leunig to create the works of art, which are inspired by the story of the Gunaikurnai community.
A cultural awareness program involving the Gunaikurnai artist collective and community ensured that the visiting artists gained a deep understanding of artistic practices, cultural storytelling, land management and preservation on Country.
The project, produced by The Social Crew, involved collaborations with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and the East Gippsland Rail Trail Community, and was supported by the state and federal governments.
The Social Crew Creative Director Belinda Collins said, “We are excited to share the beautiful result of conscious collaboration. We took the time to do the project properly, ensuring that the works were led by the story of the Gunaikurnai community. It’s a small start to what we hope we will be able to extend across all of Gunaikurnai Country”.
Sites of the public art include the Nicholson River Bridge, Partelli’s Crossing, the Orbost Butter Factory and the Nowa Nowa underpass.