“Represented in these works are the sun, the giver of life and many health benefits. The eagle and the crow – represent the cultural totems of the Kulin nation. The eagle is known as Bunjil the creator god – the all father. The crow is known as Waa, Bunjil’s helper in creating the lands and lores. Watching over the planet.”
Donna Blackall (Yorta Yorta/ Taungurung) Mutual Realities, Art Gallery of Ballarat, 2020
Ballarat is proud to be invited to share in the knowledge of Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples, on whose land Ballarat sits. Working in close collaboration with representatives of Traditional Owner communities, and all other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups who call Ballarat their home, we seek to work to support the sharing, documentation and act as witness to the reinstatement of traditional crafts.
DEEP LISTENING - DEEP RESPECT - DEEP SHARING
‘Deep Listening’ was a First Nations-led exploration of stories both old and new that asked the question of the Ballarat community, 'whose heritage is it?' resulting in an immersive community-led exhibition.
Deep Listening was led and designed by recognised Wadawurrung artist, Jenna Oldaker. Jenna chose to work with First Nations communities in the Ballarat region. A wide range of First Nations community members detailed their stories and life experiences - capturing contemporary tales which were raw, rare and compelling. And all of which needed and deserved sensitive treatment to do them justice.
The stories were were used as inspiration and guidance for six major installation artworks to form an immersive installation - the intent of the works was to guide a visitor’s journey through an extensive arts and crafts exhibition. Before any visitor could engage with the contemporary pieces they needed to walk through the stories of the people who were here before colonisation.
This was additionally supported through commissioning of responsive soundscapes, events and performances. Over 7,500 visitors attended the exhibition installation in 2025.
'Deep Listening' was pertinent not only to the work of the artist with the community, but also important to the wider project. A team worked to consistently to ensure safe spaces were created for the artist and the community, this permitted truthful conversation about the progress of the work as well as the content of the stories being shared. We created safe, flexible spaces for diverse voices, including Stolen Generations and Traditional Owners, to share stories on their own terms. This was a project where all participant stood shoulder to shoulder, listening and leaning in to understand and support. At all points cultural protocols were enforced, participation and engagement was done with the support of Elders.
Six digital works were co-designed with participants, reviewed and approved by community representatives. Ownership remained with the storytellers and their communities, with the final installations returned to representative organisations for ongoing use. The crucial aspect of this project was genuine partnership. This drove a creative outcome which was deeply authentic and transformative for those involved.
The artworks spoke to themes of the exhibition - Healing, Heart, History, Song, Spirit, Story.
The experience of ‘Deep Listening’ was truly transformative.
Aunty Joy Oldaker provides a Welcome to Country for the opening of Deep Listening 2025
Uncle Bryon Powell, Wadawurrung Elder and Traditional Owner, in front of his personal story - Story, captured by artist Jenna Oldaker. Uncle Bryon’s story speaks of his close relationship to the natural land and waterways. Jenna’s work reflects the the idea of connection through her mark making.
The dancers from First Nations troupe, TruDreaming, welcome a packed house to the launch
The artwork Heart. Exhibition items curated by Angela D’Alton.
FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE FIRST
Visiting Ballarat as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 2021, Dr Carol McGregor is an Indigenous artist who works with multimedia including ephemeral natural fibres, paint, clay, metal, and paper.
Her recent art practice involves the revival of the traditional possum skin cloak as an art form and a way to strengthen community and individual identities. Carol has worked extensively with south-east Queensland Aboriginal communities facilitating workshops teaching and sharing the knowledge and skills around possum skin cloak making. In May 2021 she travelled to Ballarat to share her knowledge and experience of documenting and sharing Indigenous Australia’s intangible cultural heritage.
Carol has exhibited widely and her work features in national and international collections. She is currently the Program Leader of the Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art unit at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University. Her work, Wreath for Oodgeroo, was exhibited at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
tarni jarvis - the craft of intangible cultural heritage
Young Djab Wurrung Gunditjmara designer, Tarni Jarvis, was one of only 9 VCE students across Victoria invited to display her work, Parramal Puna Punai, or Little Emu Girl, in the annual Top Design exhibition held at Melbourne Museum in the category of Product Design and Technology.
Tarni dedicated over 100 hours to create her garment from ethically and sustainably sourced materials and was inspired by artworks seen in the Koori Heritage trust and Koori fashion designers like Lyn-Al Young.