First Peoples Arts & Culture programs in Maroondah

Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi, Bush Tucker Dreaming, 1996, acrylic on canvas (detail), Maroondah City Council Art Collection

We, in the spirit of Reconciliation, acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as traditional custodians of the land now known as the City of Maroondah, where Indigenous Australians have performed age-old ceremonies. We acknowledge and respect their unique ability to care for Country and their deep spiritual connection to it. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Learn about arts and cultural events, projects and partnerships in Maroondah, led and created in collaboration with First Peoples artists and groups.

Cultural Sensitivity Warning

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website may contain images, voices and videos of deceased persons. Users are warned that there may be words and descriptions that may be culturally sensitive and which might not normally be used in certain public or community contexts. Terms and annotations that reflect the attitude of the author or the period in which the item was written, may be considered inappropriate today.

Exhibitions & events

Public art

Journey of Discovery

Reflections on a time of plenty along the flowing waterways of Maroondah, by artist Marcus Lee (Karajarri).

Level 2 Realm - 179 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood 3134, Wurundjeri Country

Dancing with Creation

A series of public artworks in the heart of Ringwood East shopping centre, by artists Robert Young (Gunnai/Gunditjmarra/Yorta Yorta/Wiradjuri), Simone Thomson (Wurundjeri/Yorta Yorta), Chris Hume (Bunurong/Yorta Yorta) and community from Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place.

26 Railway Avenue, Ringwood East 3135, Wurundjeri Country

Marrup Biik − Spirit Land

Spiritual map of Maroondah, imagined from artist Simone Thomson’s (Wurundjeri/Yorta Yorta) cultural perspective.

Realm, 179 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood 3134, Wurundjeri Country

We Walk as One

Totem poles by artist Simone Thomson (Wurundjeri/Yorta Yorta) reflect on the learning journey of life with Elders, families and children.

29 Hygeia Parade, Ringwood 3134, Wurundjeri Country

Hoardings by Vandal, Warrandyte Road, Ringwood

Warrandyte Road, Ringwood

The vibrant artworks that stretch along Warrandyte Road have been designed by Tricia Van Der-Kuyp (aka Vandal). A proud Wiradjuri Woman and public artist (bundadhaany), Vandal lives in the eastern region and enjoys the greenery and urban bush feel of Maroondah.

Warrandyte Road, Ringwood 3134, Wurundjeri Country

Collection works

The Maroondah City Council Art Collection is a resource of culturally and aesthetically significant works of art in all mediums that tell the stories of our environment and people. Since the opening of the Maroondah Art Gallery in 2001, Council has committed to the acquisition of works by First Peoples artists to form a strong visual representation of the Cultures, histories and knowledge of First Peoples within the Collection.

Today the Collection includes and benefits from a range of First Peoples painting, photography and print making practices. Works are exhibited regularly within gallery programs and are accessible to the public to view by appointment, by contacting the Curatorial Team on 0459 487 132 or emailing gallery@maroondah.vic.gov.au.

A selection of works in the Collection by First Peoples artists are featured below:

	Kunmanara (Ray) Ken Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara peoples Tali, 2009 Acrylic on linen Acquired, 2010.03
	Pedro Wonaeamirri Tiwi people Jilamara, 1995 Natural ochres on paper Acquired, 2010.17
	Lin Onus (Onus/Eather-Mandjad Productions) Yorta Yorta people Michael and I are just slipping down to the pub for a minute. From the series The ongoing adventures of X and Ray, 2000 Archival inks on hahnemuhle rag paper Donated by Michael Ether through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, 2012.14
	Bindi Cole Chocka Wathaurong people Clouds are the dust of His feet (4), 2013 Pigment print on cotton rag Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, 2015.04
	Kunmanara (Nellie) Stewart Pitjantjatjara people Irrunytju, 2009 Acrylic on linen Acquired, 2010.04
	Lin Onus (Yorta Yorta) and Shaike Snir Meaning of Life, 1994 Screenprint Donated by Shaike Snir through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, 2009.17
	James Tylor Kaurna people Fire Country, Kangaroo Island 2, 2022 Burnt digital photograph Acquired, 2022.01
	Judith Pungarta INKAMALA Arrernte people Magpies, 2004 Hand built terracotta and underglaze Acquired, 2005.12
	Deanne Gilson Wadawurrung people Murnong Ceremony at Lal Lal Falls, 2017 Photograph Acquired, 2019.07
	Teho Ropeyarn Community: Injinoo; Clan Group: Angkamuthi and Yadhaykana (Northern Cape York) Ambula Ipima (we are one), 2015 Vinyl cut print on paper Acquired, 2020.14

Past exhibitions & events

Arise

This exhibition showcased First Nations artists Emma Salmon, Njarala Paton, Garen Smith, Graham Patterson, Stacey Payten and Taylah Eid.

Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood 3134