Tender awarded for ellipse permanent exhibition

Another milestone has been reached in the development of the Baaka Cultural and Art Centre Wilcannia, with the announcement of the successful tender for the Ellipse Permanent Exhibition.

Regional Development Australia Orana, CEO Justine Campbell said she was excited to announce that interpretive design specialist Multistory, led by Creative Director Scott Watson had been appointed to undertake the project.

“The ellipse permanent exhibition will be at the heart of the centre and will tell the story of the local Aboriginal people of the middle and lower Darling River region,” she said.

“Multistory has extensive indigenous cultural consultation experience and has worked alongside and co-designed projects with multiple Aboriginal groups across Australia and was recently awarded the winner of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association Awards 2024, First Nations Project Award, for their work on Nyamba Buru Yawuru, Wanggajarli Burugun: We are Coming Home (WA).

“The company specialises in interpretation, wayfinding and visitor experiences, with a particular interest in working with Aboriginal people, learning and sharing their stories throughout the country.”

Located at the former Knox and Downs store site, work is underway to transform the once derelict site into a state-of-the-art cultural centre and visitor experience. The development of the $9.5 million Baaka Art and Cultural Centre is a regionally significant project funded by the Australian and NSW governments.

Ms Campbell said the centre would raise awareness of the culture and tradition of Aboriginal people of the region and support cultural initiatives in the wider community.

“The Bakka Cultural and Art Centre aims to foster community engagement, education, social and economic opportunities to safeguard the cultural heritage of the Barkintji people while empowering the community for a prosperous future,” she said.

“Construction of the centre is expected to be finished by late 2024 with an expected opening in mid-2025.”

To find more information about the Baaka Cultural and Art Centre visit: www.baaka.org.au