The Western Australian Government has released a design tender for a world-class Aboriginal Cultural Centre overlooking the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River).
The centre is planned to serve as a central cultural hub showcasing the rich diversity of Aboriginal cultures, highlighting their many forms of expression, including story, song, art, and dance.
It will be a place where all Western Australians, as well as national and international visitors, can foster a deeper understanding of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures through immersive experiences.
The centre will include indoor and outdoor spaces for art, performance, education, research, community and commercial activities.
The centre will become part of the city’s cultural landscape and contribute towards the diversification of the WA economy.
Funding of $104 million has been allocated to the project to date, $52 million from the State Government and $52 million from the Federal Government.
A place of healing, celebration and acknowledgment, the Aboriginal Cultural Centre intends to deliver significant cultural, social and economic benefits for Aboriginal people and communities.
Early project planning has been informed by ongoing sector and community engagement, which will continue as design progresses.
Western Australian Premier, Roger Cook, said that this is an important milestone in realising a landmark cultural development for WA on the banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan.
“This is the latest example of our commitment to develop major infrastructure projects that both help to diversify the economy and increase the cultural vibrancy of our State,” Cook said.
“I look forward to the next stage of this project and accomplishing the vision of transforming the area into one of Western Australia’s premier events hubs and destination attractions.”
Minister for Creative Industries, Simone McGurk, said that the progress of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre project, together with the redevelopment of the Perth Concert Hall, is an exciting opportunity to enhance Western Australia’s cultural experiences.
“This landmark project will serve as a cultural hub for Western Australia’s First Nations peoples and become a vital part of our shared heritage,” McGurk said.
Aboriginal Cultural Centre project steering committee chair, Divina D’Anna, said that this centre will be a place where the past, present and future of Aboriginal culture comes together and is shared proudly with national and international visitors.
“It will offer an immersion experience that invites deep connection, understanding and celebration of Aboriginal cultures, honouring the world’s oldest living culture.”
