Stratford water tower comes alive with First Nations art
Work is underway to transform Gippsland Water’s Stratford water tower into a vibrant celebration of local First Nations people’s connection to water.
Earlier this year the organisation announced it had commissioned Gunnai artist Alice Pepper to create a unique artwork called Cultural Flow, which is now being brought to life on the tower’s surface.
Managing director Sarah Cumming said the artwork installation was a significant milestone.
“This project is a very special one. Alice designed the artwork to reflect the work we do in partnership with local First Nations communities, including protecting waterways and preserving the natural environment for future generations,” Ms Cumming said.
“It’s a visual representation of the respect we have for the Traditional Custodians of the region, and their connection to Country and waterways.
Ms Cumming said the concept was developed with input from Traditional Owners and customers.
“We’ve been working together towards having Gunaikurnai artwork prominently displayed on some of our highly visible infrastructure for a couple of years now.
“It’s very fitting that Stratford, such culturally significant Country for the Gunaikurnai people has been chosen as the first site.”
Artist Alice Pepper said the artwork was a display of pride.
“The artwork shows the pride we share when we look around on our Country – where we work and live and play.
“To see the presence of culture through this artwork just brings pride.
“Stratford is such a special place for us, it’s where we go for our gatherings and I thought maybe this could be a story about us working together.
“On the water tower we have Borun representing us and Wahyang, the Spoonbill, representing Gippsland Water, both coming together to connect near the banks of the Dooyeedang (Avon River).”
The artwork will be applied to the tower over the coming weeks, dependant on weather.
For more information about Gippsland Water’s work with Traditional Owners visit: http://www.gippswater.com.au/traditionalownersandculturalheritage.
