The historic Redfern Terrace, currently adorned with the iconic ‘Welcome to Redfern’ mural, is set to be transformed into a living museum celebrating Aboriginal history and culture in the heart of Sydney’s most significant Indigenous urban community.
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The City of Sydney is calling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to reimagine the narrow Caroline Street terrace, which stands as a silent witness to decades of Indigenous life, activism, and community building in the area known as The Block.
“It could be a museum, an artist studio or artwork, and somewhere community can share knowledge and creativity,” says curator Emily McDaniel, who envisions the space as a dynamic repository of local memories and nationally significant events.
The project represents more than just a building renovation. In an area experiencing rapid urban development, with new stations and increased construction around Redfern, the terrace transformation symbolises the city’s commitment to preserving Indigenous heritage and storytelling.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore frames the initiative as part of Sydney’s broader Eora Journey program, which aims to promote cultural, economic, and social sustainability for Aboriginal communities.
“Converting this old terrace in the heart of an area synonymous with First Nations community, culture and activism reflects our commitment to ensuring Redfern remains a proudly Aboriginal place,” Mayor Moore said.
The terrace’s history mirrors the broader story of Indigenous Redfern. Originally a shop and residence built in the 1880s, it later served as a dressing room and storage space for a neighbouring sawmill. Meanwhile, The Block emerged as a crucial Aboriginal hub from the 1930s Great Depression onward, as extended families moved to the area seeking work and community.
Today, the building’s exterior features the Welcome to Redfern mural, completed in 2013 by Reko Rennie and young local Aboriginal artists. The city now seeks to extend this artistic legacy inward, inviting First Nations artists, architects, filmmakers, and sound designers to reimagine how the interior space can showcase both contemporary and archival materials.
The project aligns with other Indigenous initiatives in the area, including a recently opened knowledge and cultural centre on Redfern Street and the ambitious Yananurala project – a 9km harbour foreshore walk celebrating Aboriginal heritage through installations and artworks.
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Artists interested in contributing to this historic transformation can attend a briefing and site visit on October 22, with project submissions open until 19 November 2024. Visit the City of Sydney’s website for more details.
Published 22-October-2024