Hawaiian will celebrate NAIDOC Week with a series of artists-in-residence at Hawaiian’s Bassendean and Hawaiian’s Forrestfield, undertaking a community art project.
Celebrated across Australia, NAIDOC Week recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Celebrated Noongar artists Jade O’Sullivan and Seantelle Walsh will undertake commissioned artworks at Hawaiian’s Bassendean and Forrestfield shopping centres, inviting shoppers and community members to collaborate in their art piece. Collectively, the art display will reflect this year’s NAIDOC Week theme: Voice. Treaty. Truth.
Jade O’Sullivan will be bringing her passion and love for art to Hawaiian’s Bassendean from 9-12 July (10am – 1pm). An emerging artist, 21-year old Jade was inspired to engage in art after an accident in 2014 saw her lose both her legs. With her mother and grandmother both talented artists, Jade is inspired by strong and supportive women, and will bring her skill in depicting faces and otherworldly landscapes to the Centre in July.
Illustrator Seantelle Walsh will profile the local Aboriginal community within her collaborative artwork at Hawaiian’s Forrestfield from 8-11 July (10am – 1pm). Seantelle specialises in working alongside youths across Western Australia, producing illustrations for children and young people.
In partnership with the City of Kalamunda, Hawaiian’s Forrestfield will also offer a series of NAIDOC Week activities including Borloo storytelling, didgeridoo playing, toy-making and face painting. These activities will run on 6, 12 and 13 July from 11am – 12.30pm.
Hawaiian’s General Manager of Shopping Centres (Suburban) Scott Greenwood encourages members of the local community to come together during NAIDOC Week in celebration of the culture and talent of the Aboriginal community.
“I encourage shoppers and community members of all ages to take part in our collaborative artwork, listen to the storytelling, and spend some time learning more about the rich heritage of our country.”
In recognition of the past and present custodians of our land, Hawaiian will also host a Welcome to Country by Shaun Nannup and traditional dance by the Whadjuk Yorga’s group at the following locations:
Hawaiian’s Forrestfield – 8 July, 10am
Hawaiian’s Bassendean – 9 July, 10.30am
Hawaiian’s Park Centre – 10 July, 11am
Hawaiian’s Melville – 11 July, 10.30am
Hawaiian’s Mezz – 12 July, 11.30am
Hawaiian’s Noranda – 13 July. 10am