JCDecaux Australia has partnered with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to install an original Indigenous artwork connected to a new digital billboard across Australia’s busiest road.
(l-r) Artist Lisa Waup with Steve O’Connor, CEO, JCDecaux Australia “By integrating this incredible piece of Indigenous artwork into the urban landscape, we are not only enhancing the visual appeal, but we are also encouraging dialogue and understanding about the diverse cultural heritage that enriches our society,” said Steve O’Connor, CEO of JCDecaux Australia.
“We collaborated with our partners to bring this unique and special art installation to life to inspire, provoke thought and spark conversations. The partnership and artwork signify our commitment to supporting and amplifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.”
Soon to feature indigenous art installations - JCD's Westgate Freeway billboard
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said: “It’s fantastic to see our First Peoples recognised and this artwork take pride of place on one of Victoria’s busiest and most important roads, the West Gate Freeway. We made the decision to fly the Aboriginal flag permanently atop the West Gate Bridge and this installation is a further symbol of unity, identity and resilience for First Peoples across Victoria.”
The original piece of commissioned artwork, pathed between, is by Lisa Waup, a mixed-cultural First Peoples multidisciplinary artis and curator born in Naarm (Melbourne). The artwork embodies direction, flow and perspective.
Waup said pathed between "highlights abstracted intersecting lines and paths of connection, some roads travelled can be easier than others at times. Yet the road travelled ultimately delivers us where we need to be. It has been an absolute pleasure working on this project, a positive and respectful experience in every way. I am extremely proud of the outcome and exceedingly thankful for the opportunity.”
West Gate Freeway links Geelong and the Western Suburbs to central Melbourne, carrying 200,000 vehicles a day. The billboard site is above White Street, visible heading inbound and outbound.
JCDecaux worked in partnership with Authority Creative – specialists in contemporary art production and curation - to engage Lisa Waup on the project. Industrial design practice Tilt were selected to support the production of the art from a 2D design through to the manufacturing process.
