International artist to light up Lismore Quad with major new work

Internationally acclaimed multimedia artist Craig Walsh will create a large-scale digital work in the Lismore Quadrangle, providing a multi-sensory experience of Bundjalung language, history and story.

Dungarimba Wandarahn (Lismore place of learning) is a spectacular multimedia work created in collaboration with Southern Cross University’s Indigenous School Gnibi Wandarahn, and Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School at Terranora. The work is in response to the Lismore Quadrangle heritage-listed history as the original Lismore High School (now the Conservatorium of Music and Lismore Library).

The work is inspired by the stories and recollections of a significant Bundjalung Elder, Aunty Irene Harrington, and her experience of attending the high school in the 1950s whilst living on the mission in Lismore. Dungarimba Wandarahn juxtaposes two cultures and ways of learning - Bundjalung and Western - highlighting the complexity experienced by a young Bundjalung woman living in Lismore at this time. Irene Harrington’s story is specific to the Lismore area but resonates with the experience of many Aboriginal people of her generation.

“The work takes the form of large-scale visual projections and audio installations occupying both nature and architecture as a catalyst to explore two very different forms of education,” says Craig Walsh. “The work celebrates the resilience and commitment of Aboriginal people to retain traditional culture and language. It reclaims the Lismore Quadrangle as a historic ‘place of learning’, recognising the importance of cultural knowledge as essential to education.”

“Aboriginal peoples are connected to the origins of being through our stories,” says Professor Norm Sheehan, Director of Gnibi Wandarahn at Southern Cross University. “Living connections sustain us through our families and our Country. We are also connected to the terrible impact of colonisation in our homelands. Through this connection we have realised our strength and resilience. This project depicts our reconnection through language to the future. Aunty Irene’s life shows us the power and beauty of connection as it flows through this work.”

A Tweed Heads local, Craig Walsh is renowned internationally for his pioneering works including innovative approaches to projection mapping in unconventional sites. Over a 30-year career he has created works for more than 20 international art festivals, Biennales and Triennials; exhibited in numerous major art institutions in Australia and produced public art commissions from Cairns to Parramatta. He is also renowned for his site interventions at live events, including iconic works at music festivals across Australia and internationally. Walsh has also been the creative producer for the Splendour in the Grass Arts Program for the past 15 years.

Read more about Craig Walsh

Dungarimba Wandarahn is the highlight feature work in The Quad’s 2019 arts program curated by Quadrangle Placemaking Officer Marisa Snow. The collaboration with Southern Cross University’s Indigenous School Gnibi Wandarahn will bring to life the School’s extensive work into the revitalisation of Bundjalung language, the University’s School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS) are providing Audio-Visual students to manage the sound production and Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School are developing the sound design component of the work. Taking place in a heritage-listed site, the project secured funding from the NSW Government’s Heritage Near Me program aimed at helping communities conserve and share their local heritage.

Dungarimba Wandarahn (Lismore place of learning) is a free event and will run over 4 nights in The Quad from 23 to 26 May.

Creative Director: Craig Walsh

Sound Designer: Brett Canning and students from Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, Terranora

Cultural Custodians: Sheldon Harrington and Irene Harrington

Event Details:

Dungarimba Wandarahn (Lismore place of learning)

A large-scale, multi-sensory experience of Bundjalung language, history and story created by Craig Walsh in collaboration with Southern Cross University’s Indigenous School Gnibi Wandarahn.

Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 May

6pm-9pm (production plays on a continuous loop)

The Quad, 110 Magellan Street, Lismore

Free Entry

This is not a seated show, the audience are encouraged to explore and interact with the work.

More information: www.lismorequad.org.au

About the Quad
The Lismore Quadrangle (the Quad) is an open - air precinct located in Lismore's CBD in the Northern Rivers of NSW. It was transformed from a carpark in 2017 as part of the Lismore Regional Gallery’s $5.8 million redevelopment.  The Quad precinct connects the Lismore Regional Gallery, Lismore City Library and the Northern Rivers Conservatorium. The activation of the Quad as Lismore's creative playground is a strategic partnership between Southern Cross University and Lismore City Council. The Quad presents a cross-disciplinary annual program and is also a community space for hire.