Port of Albany to see new “large-scale” art by mid-2025 as Southern Ports puts out call for Aboriginal artists

The Port of Albany will soon be home to a new large-scale artwork with Southern Ports offering up to $50,000 to a local Aboriginal artist for the design. The ‘Aboriginal Cultural Welcome artwork’ will be placed in a prominent position at the port, which is expected to see more than 35,000 visitors from cruise ships this year, with the exact location to be determined. The piece will join the ranks of the 35m Ruby Seadragon mural on the CBH grain silos, which divided the community when it was unveiled in 2018. Eligible artists must be of Aboriginal descent and living in the Great Southern and the successful artist will be paid up to $50,000 for their work. Southern Ports chief executive Keith Wilks said the artwork is an important way of recognising traditional owners. “The Menang people have a deep and lasting connection to the land and waters surrounding our Port of Albany,” he said. “Southern Ports welcomes thousands of cruise visitors each year through our Port of Albany to the Great Southern region. “Our hope for this artwork is that it provides a welcome that acknowledges the cultural significance of this region and encourages visitors to learn and reflect on the history of the area.” Tourism WA acting managing director Steph Underwood said Albany was well established as a popular destination for cruises sailing WA’s coastline. “The development of cultural welcome artwork and signage is a Tourism WA initiative that seeks to elevate the visibility of Aboriginal culture for visitors to WA, and is an action inspired by our Jina: Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan (2021-2025),” she said. “We partner with key gateway facility operators such as Southern Ports to develop these installations created by Aboriginal artists that are unique to each facility, and the culture of its location. “Tourism WA continues to explore opportunities to promote authentic Aboriginal tourism to preserve our State’s cultural heritage, and I look forward to seeing Albany’s historic port adorned with incredible artwork from local Aboriginal talent.” Expressions of interest are open until Wednesday November 6 with the completed artwork expected to be installed by mid-2025. The first cruise ship will arrive on November 4.