First Nations artist Jandamarra Cadd has unveiled his vibrant new artwork called United Journey for the new Maroochydore City Centre.
Jandamarra created the three-panelled mural-style artwork after being awarded a $10,000 place activation grant.
“United Journey is an opportunity to visually express the richness of community and the importance of walking together as a people, now and into the future. Working from visual narratives that are thousands of generations old, art becomes an invitation to embrace the wellness and healing that comes through a connection to place,” Jandamarra said.
“This mural is about living and learning from one another. While understanding that our connection to this place and the thousands of generations of footprints embedded within, holds great relevance and wellness to our sense of identity and the community we live within. When we walk together towards a sunrise that shines upon us all equally we see the true value of our relationship to this place called Maroochydore and the loving responsibility of looking after it for the many generations to come”.
Jandamarra is one of three recipients of the inaugural $30,000 Place Activation Grants Program, an initiative delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, Walker Corporation, and SunCentral Maroochydore Pty Ltd.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the grants provided an opportunity to build the vibrancy of the new City Centre.
“Residents, local businesses and visitors all benefit from strengthening the community connection to public spaces through artwork and activating the new city centre.”
Walker Corporation Director, Development and Major Projects, Peter Saba congratulated Jandamarra on his artwork connecting the history and cultures of thousands of generations.
“We were all captivated by the rich vibrant colours and imagination Jandamarra used in United Journey to weave his narratives about the connection between people who have walked and lived here in Maroochydore for thousands of years,” Mr Saba said.
“Community is crucial to the growth and success of the expanding Maroochydore City Centre and we are proud to support local artists to help us ensure the city’s growth also reflects the significant contributions of our ancestors.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to view Jandamarra Cadd’s United Journey in the café courtyard of The Metropolitan (the MET) until 30 June 2023.
