Mural kick starts Indigenous community art project

Researchers from ANU are partnering with Canberra's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to develop a series of community art projects across the region. The first public artwork from the Two Way Project was revealed this week with two large murals painted by Indigenous artists on a wall in Canberra. Project leader Dr Kirrily Jordan said the project aims to bring to light issues of concern to local Indigenous people and build public awareness around relevant policy issues. "There is a lot of power in public art, you don't have to go to a gallery, its right there in the street," Dr Jordan said. "We are facilitating traditional owners in Canberra and Queanbeyan to tell their stories in new ways, in a visual format that will be open to the public. "The project is looking at creative ways to have an impact in the community and to bring forward the voices of First Nations people." Artist and Ngunnawal man Adrian Brown said public art projects help give young Indigenous people a better sense of identity. "This art gives our young people a sense of community, and a sense of identity, belonging and pride," Mr Brown said.