The Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) has announced the grand reopening of its expanded First Peoples arts and cultural centre in the newly renovated Birrarung Building in Melbourne’s Federation Square.
The revamped centre, boasting new exhibition galleries, a larger space for permanent display items, as well as improved areas for community and educational programs, will reopen on 9 December 2023. Shop KHT has also undergone renovation works, and will be permanently located in the Crossbar Building, with frontage to Fed Square’s piazza.
The project involved expanding the KHT’s presence from two floors to three, in the building formerly known as Yarra. Designed by Lyons, Greenaway Architects and Architecture Associates, the project has provided the organization with an additional 600-square-metres.
KHT stated the project was highly collaborative, with First Nations people engaged regularly throughout design and construction phases “to develop a considered and beautiful plan for the building interior design and fit-out reflecting Country and place that responds in a culturally sensitive way to both organizational and First Peoples community needs and values.”
The project involved expanding the KHT’s presence in the establishment from two floors to three.
Image:
James Henry
KHT CEO, Tom Mosby said the expansion not only marks a significant milestone for the organization but the wider Indigenous community. “Occupying all three levels of the Birrarung Building is such an important step for us, as we can now offer a seamless whole of building experience that is reflective of First Peoples connection to Country and culture. The additional space means that we are able to present more of our permanent collection, provide more opportunities for Koorie artists to exhibit their work and offer more public programs. It is a beautiful space that I am immensely proud of and I welcome everyone to KHT,” he said.
“I am also delighted that our building (formerly Yarra Building) will now be known as the Birrarung Building. This change signifies the importance of place in the spirit of reconciliation.”
The revamped centre boasts new exhibition galleries, a larger space for permanent display items, as well as improved areas for community and educational programs.
Image:
James Henry
The Koorie Art Show will be the first exhibition to be launched in the new building, with the event to showcase works from more than 100 First Nations artists across a range of disciplines.
The renovation was made possible with support from Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, (ILSC); the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program, (ACIP); and Federation Square through the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co).
Source: Architecture - architectureau
