Celebrating Menang Culture Through Art
In 2024, Regional Arts WA received funding from Creative Australia to partner with the WA Museum and local First Nations people on an innovative cultural project. This collaborative initiative celebrates Menang culture through creative workshops and consultation with Traditional Owners, focusing on the cultural significance of the ancient Albany fish traps.
A key component of the project is identifying and mentoring an emerging Aboriginal artist to support the development and realisation of the final sculpture. This ensures the artwork is deeply rooted in community voices and cultural authenticity.
The installation will serve as both:
- An artistic interpretation of a traditional Menang fish trap.
- An educational resource for the community and visitors.
Strategically located at a water source affected by tidal movements—via tunnels beneath the town’s harbour access road—the sculpture will reveal different elements over time, encouraging ongoing engagement and curiosity.
Origins of the Project
The concept for the fish trap sculpture emerged during community consultations led by the Museum of the Great Southern in 2018. Menang Elders highlighted the significance of the fish traps, inspiring a community-led, collaborative art installation.
Project Goals and Vision
The project aims to:
- Commission a public artwork prominently located at the Museum of the Great Southern.
- Embed Menang knowledge and perspectives into place.
- Contribute to broader decolonisation efforts.
- Offer a visible and lasting acknowledgement of the fish traps’ importance to local Aboriginal people.
This contemporary artwork will express the enduring connection between Menang people and Country. It will make local Aboriginal culture and stories accessible, creating a space for cultural storytelling and education through art.
Contact
For more information please contact First Nations Project Officer, Janine Oxenham at joxenham@regionalartswa.org.au.