Blak Design Matters
First Peoples Design Forum

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 in exhibition catalogue Blak Design Matters – National Survey of Contemporary Indigenous Design, Koorie Heritage Trust, 2018.

Are you an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander interested in design? Then this day is for you!

Join us in a safe First Nations controlled space to yarn about Blak Design.

Elijah Money (Wiradjuri brotherboy) will be your MC on the day to introduce a series of facilitated sessions on:

• what is Blak Design, why should it matter and how do we find our voice in the design community
• ownership and use of symbols and iconography amongst First Nations communities
• Blak fashion

You can also participate in the sessions at any time using the Slido interactive app, have fun with fellow Forum participants by taking part in our lunch-time group karaoke session, and end the day with a party at the Koorie Heritage Trust with views of the Birrarung while enjoying food by proud First Nations caterer Bunji Catering, and music by Trawlwoolway musician, DJ and curator, Kalyani.

Your registration includes morning and afternoon tea and coffee, as well as lunch by Bunji Catering, a one-off limited edition forum tote bag featuring artwork by ENOKi (Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta), and entry to the after-Forum party.

Panel facilitators and participants include: N’arweet Dr Carolyn Briggs AM (Boonwurrung), Josh Deane (Palawa), Kristy Dickinson (Wiradjuri), Sharn Geary (Bundjalung), Jefa Greenaway (Wailwan, Kamilaroi), Tom Mosby (Kulkalgal, Meriam), Kimberley Moulton (Yorta Yorta), Daen Sansbury-Smith (Narungga, Kaurna, Trawlwoolway), Emrhan Tjapanangka Sultan (Western Arrarnta, Luritja, Kokatha), Laura Thompson (Gunditjmara), Dominic White (Palawa) with more to be announced.

To create a safe space for participants to yarn and talk openly, this event is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples only.

Registrations are now officially closed, but you can sign up at the venue in person!  Just come along to The Edge between 9am-9:45am, Friday 12 May 2023.

Register Now