In an Australian-first, a huge three-dimensional tapestry will take pride of place at the new Footscray Hospital, showcasing Victorian creativity and craftsmanship and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for patients, visitors and staff.
A new tapestry, measuring an impressive 42 square metres and made from 270 kilometres of Victorian wool, will take pride of place in the main foyer of the new Footscray Hospital.
Designed by celebrated First Nations artists Maree Clarke (Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung) and Mitch Mahoney (Boonwurrung/Barkindji), ‘Welcome to Country – now you see me: seeing the invisible’ will hang over two levels, creating a more welcoming environment for patients, staff and visitors.
“It’s so important to think about new ideas to present traditional culture in a contemporary, positive, respectful way that embraces new mediums,” Maree Clarke said.
“It’s thrilling to be in the final stages of collaboration and witnessing our design realised through the artistry of the weavers.”
The tapestry has been meticulously hand woven at the Australian Tapestry Workshop in South Melbourne, creating work for 14 Victorian-based weavers, dyeing specialists and support staff who worked for more than 10,000 hours over 14 months to bring the artists’ vision to life.
“The weavers are amazing technical wizards of this old craft,” Mitch Mahoney added.
“The mastery involved in the many hands coming together to create a work that is an expression of two artists’ work – it’s the ultimate collaboration.”
The Welcome to Country tapestry, along with other artworks commissioned for the new hospital through Footscray Community Arts, is part of a is part of a major three-year arts program for the hospital. The program is designed to provide a vibrant, calming and less clinical environment and create a positive legacy that goes beyond healthcare benefits.
The tapestry was delivered as part of the Premier’s Suite partnership, a collaboration between the Victorian Government, Tapestry Foundation of Australia, and the Australian Hotels Association.
The Suite funds the production of major tapestry commissions that are gifted to new Victorian hospitals. The program has also commissioned a tapestry for the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital in St Albans.