It’s been a historic few days for Western Sydney International Airport taking its first passenger domestic and international flights on Sunday and Monday.
In among the hectic announcements, WSI also unveiled a suite of artworks inspired by Indigenous artists and the people, places and cultures of Western Sydney.
Adopting the philosophy: Country is Life, each WSI art installation forms part of a whole-of-airport placemaking approach that embeds Dharug country language, stories and cultural knowledge into a unique traveller experience around the airport precinct.
A diverse group of artists, creatives and design experts have created artworks that deliver a shared sense of place throughout the precinct, from public spaces, landscape design and digital experiences to heritage interpretation, wayfinding and place naming.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said WSI’s bespoke art and placemaking approach reflects the diversity of voices and cultures that come together to welcome every traveller to WSI.
Barayabinyang (Songbirds) by Dharug and Darkinjung artist Adam Laws, pictured above, who grew up in Western Sydney, is situated across five sites in the terminal forecourt. It uses sculpted metal nesting cones, egg forms and grounding stones to tell the story of the Spotted Pardalote and Cabra Worm, creatures connected to the bush and creekbanks of Western Sydney.
“WSI is a global gateway to Western Sydney – the cultural heartland of our city. Our ambition is to help every passenger and visitor feel connected to the land, people, and heritage from the moment they arrive,” he said.
“We have worked extensively with local Indigenous artists and creatives to craft a whole-of-airport approach that reflects the people, stories and culture that connect this precinct with the broader community.”
WSI’s approach has been guided by cultural design principles developed in collaboration with Indigenous design and strategy agency Balarinji, helping to embed a connection to country across the airport precinct.
Balarinji managing director Ros Moriarty said that, through co-design and continuous collaboration with locally connected Aboriginal knowledge holders and artists, Balarinji has woven authentic Aboriginal narratives into the fabric of the precinct.
“We’ve been pleased to work with Western Sydney International Airport to embed country at beautiful touchpoints. It has been a privilege to help shape the story of Australia’s newest airport to warmly welcome travellers while deeply respecting the enduring living culture, identity, and protocols of Dharug country.”
