Optus Stadium: surrounded by parkland, on the curve of Perth’s Swan River—Whadjuk Noongar land— a place for people, gatherings, achievements, and art.
FORM developed and managed the delivery of the public art strategy, working with the artists, Multiplex, HASSELL, the State Government and various stakeholders. Funding for the delivery of the artworks came via the Percent for Art Program and private sponsorship from BHP and Chevron.
These guiding principles, developed as a result of working closely with the Noongar community, inform the direction not only the public art but also the landscape and architectural design of the Stadium.
As art consultant, FORM was a key player since 2012 in the consortium delivering this landmark State development.
The Stadium site boasts the largest collection of Noongar public artworks anywhere in the Perth Metropolitan area, delivered through FORM's Land.Mark.Art professional development program for Aboriginal artists, under the guidance of the Whadjuk Working Party Advisory Group.
“the Waanginy Boorna (Message Stick) sculptures are an invitation to all nations to be as one, in one ceremony, in one place, at one time”
Barry McGuire, artist, Waanginy Boorna
“by making a wall that doesn’t enclose anything but instead, with its loops, creates gathering spaces, I was trying to re-connect to the ancient ceremonial gathering place for the Whadjuk before they crossed the river, or where they fished for clams”
