New-look Koorie Heritage Trust
The Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) will reopen on December 9 across all three floors of the newly renovated Birrarung Building (formerly Yarra Building) at Federation Square.
Following extensive renovations, the refreshed KHT offers new exhibition galleries, more space to showcase its permanent collection, plus more accessible community engagement and education spaces across 1740 square metres.
The renovated shopKHT will be permanently located in the Crossbar Building, with main square frontage at the top of Federation Square.
The stand-alone First Peoples Arts and Cultural Centre – a first of its kind in an Australian capital city – is a significant addition to KHT and for First Peoples of South-East Australia.
The new-look institution will reopen on December 9 with its 11th Koorie Art Show – its biggest community event which brings together more than 100 First Peoples artists in a celebration of “culture, Country and community” with a beautiful presentation of works on paper, photography, sculpture, multi-media, fibre art and more.
“Occupying all three levels of the Birrarung Building is such an important step for us, as we can now offer a seamless whole of building experience that is reflective of First Peoples connection to Country and culture,” KHT CEO Tom Mosby said.
“The additional space means that we are able to present more of our permanent collection, provide more opportunities for Koorie artists to exhibit their work and offer more public programs. It is a beautiful space that I am immensely proud of, and I welcome everyone to KHT.”
Captions: KHT renovated Birrarung Building interiors - a Lyons led design collaboration between First Nations architect Jefa Greenaway (Greenaway Architects), Lyons and Architecture Associates. Photography: James Henry.