“When I see a work of art or design by one of our people, I see an invitation to join them on a journey. I take myself inside, attempting to unwrap the layers. This art is precious and I want to understand what it is trying to tell me. I want to feel the message it contains … Blak design is critical and integral for remembrance and reflection.”
Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin, Wurundjeri Elder and Traditional Owner in exhibition catalogue Blak Design Matters – National Survey of Contemporary Indigenous Design, Koorie Heritage Trust, 2018
The Blak Design program, an Australian first, fosters First Peoples’ cultural innovation within Victoria’s design sector, providing a platform for sustainable Indigenous design practices. To date, 40 metropolitan and regional artists have participated in this highly successful initiative. The program’s focus has evolved annually: the first two years centered on contemporary jewellery, the third year on ceramics, and the fourth year on fashion and textiles.
Throughout the year, participants engage in a series of intensive, hands-on design and making workshops. These are complemented by small business skills sessions and access to industry and cultural mentors, design professionals, and practitioners. This comprehensive approach equips artists with the tools and networks necessary to develop sustainable design practices.
Blak Design 2021
Participating artists: Ange Jeffery (Wiradjuri), Aunty Beverley Meldrum (Wirangu, Kokatha), Cassie Leatham (Taungurung), Hollie Johnson (Gunaikurnai, Monero Ngarigo), Isobel Morphy-Walsh (Taun Wurrung), Jenna Lee (Larrakia, Wardaman and Karajarri), Kait James (Wadawurrung), Lisa Waup (Gunditjmara and Torres Strait Islander), Sandy Hodge (Lardil), Sharn Geary (Bundjalung) and Suzanne Connelly-Klidomitis (Wiradjuri).
Blak Design 2022
Participating artists: Thelma Austin (Gunditjmara), Mandi Barton (Yorta Yorta/Barapa Barapa/Wemba Wemba), Lorraine Brigdale (Yorta Yorta), Nikki Browne (Bidjara), Deanne Gilson (Wadawurrung), Tammy Gilson (Wadawurrung), Elijah Money (Wiradjuri), Yasmin Silveira (Palawa), Sammy Trist (Taungurung), Dominic White (Palawa) and Tracy Wise (Barkindji Ngiyampaa Maligundidj).
Blak Design 2023
Participating artists: Annie Brigdale (Yorta Yorta), Suzanne Connelly-Klidomitis (Wiradjuri), Nicholas Currie (Yugambeh, Kuku Yalnji), Trina Dalton-Oogjes (Wadawurrung, Gunditjmara), Ellie Franks (Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi Kabi), Mick Harding (Taungurung), Darcy McConnell (Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta), Sean Miller (Gamilaroi), Corina Muir (Yorta Yorta, Boonwurrung).
Blak Design 2024
Participating artists: Matty Chilly (Wiradjuri, Wamba Wamba, Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Waddi Waddi, Barapa Barapa, Gubbi Gubbi, Nari Nari, Yitti Yitti, Latji Latji, Dadi Dadi, and ties to Māori Iwi in Aotearoa New Zealand), Tarsha Davis (Kuku Yalanji and Palawa), Tahnee Day (Yorta Yora), Tahnee Edwards (Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara), Teena Moffatt (Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai, Gunditjmara), Michelle Searle (Awabakal), Emma Stenhouse (Ngarrindjeri), Tricia Van Der-Kuyp (Wiradjuri), Emmy Webbers (Gunaikurnai).
The Blak Design Program is recognised for its excellence in design and innovation. Notably, it received the following accolades in the 2023 Australian Good Design Awards:
At the completion of each year’s program, the Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) has hosted an exhibition to celebrate the achievements of the participants. These exhibitions have included:
Blak Design is an initiative of the Koorie Heritage Trust and is presented in partnership with The Ian Potter Foundation, RMIT University (School of Art and School of Fashion and Textiles), National Gallery of Victoria and precinct partner Fed Square.
We acknowledge Destiny Deacon (KuKu, Meriam Mir), artist, broadcaster and political activist, for provenance of the term “Blak”.
Image: Elijah Money (Wiradjari), Namesake 2022, sterling silver and 9ct gold. Collection of the artist. Photographer Fred Kroh, 2022.