"How cold is all history, how lifeless all imagery, compared to that which the living nation writes, and the uncorrupted marble bears!"
- Antoni Gaudi
Architect, La Sagrada Familia, Spain
- Antoni Gaudi
Architect, La Sagrada Familia, Spain
WELCOME
Formed in 2012, The Bridge Art Project's Steering Committee are steadily working toward a funding campaign to design and facilitate a monumental public arts project based around the new Echuca/Moama bridge crossing and surrounds. So far, we’ve made robust progress with support coming from all stake holders, near and far.
The Bridge Art Project aims to provide a contemporary visual art-based record of the region’s pre and post-colonial cultural development with a focus on the rich traditions of the Yorta Yorta Nation - Australia’s largest aboriginal nation. The most accomplished visual story-tellers of our time, along with emerging designers, sculptors and artists will interpret our region’s epic history on traditional Yorta Yorta land in the Murray Goulburn region.
A collaborative concept being developed by indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, we seek to facilitate the creation of a compelling historical narrative on and around the impending bridge infrastructure. Furthermore, we aim to oversee the construction of an additional indoor contemporary art gallery, outdoor sculpture space and historic interpretive centre on the N.S.W. landing of the new bridge. An educational/conference centre will be added as a centre for international study groups.
Inspired by the runaway success of the private arts enterprise of M.O.N.A. in Tasmania, the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Melbourne and the sprawling public art galleries of the Berlin Wall and Stockholm Metro, project conceiver Barry Donchi and the steering committee seek to mount Australia's most extensive landmark outdoor arts project. The project aims to strengthen social partnerships, revitalise folklore and attract international attention to a courageous acknowledgement of untold historical truths.
The Bridge Art Project aims to provide a contemporary visual art-based record of the region’s pre and post-colonial cultural development with a focus on the rich traditions of the Yorta Yorta Nation - Australia’s largest aboriginal nation. The most accomplished visual story-tellers of our time, along with emerging designers, sculptors and artists will interpret our region’s epic history on traditional Yorta Yorta land in the Murray Goulburn region.
A collaborative concept being developed by indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, we seek to facilitate the creation of a compelling historical narrative on and around the impending bridge infrastructure. Furthermore, we aim to oversee the construction of an additional indoor contemporary art gallery, outdoor sculpture space and historic interpretive centre on the N.S.W. landing of the new bridge. An educational/conference centre will be added as a centre for international study groups.
Inspired by the runaway success of the private arts enterprise of M.O.N.A. in Tasmania, the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Melbourne and the sprawling public art galleries of the Berlin Wall and Stockholm Metro, project conceiver Barry Donchi and the steering committee seek to mount Australia's most extensive landmark outdoor arts project. The project aims to strengthen social partnerships, revitalise folklore and attract international attention to a courageous acknowledgement of untold historical truths.
local gallery - a world first
the riverine herald newspaper report
The longest outdoor art gallery in the world? In Echuca/Moama? I’d like to see that!
And so would local timber conservationist Barry Donchi. Together with aboriginal artists and educators, Clive and Judy Atkinson, Yorta Yorta representatives, Damian Morgan Bulled and Neville Atkinson, the local arts community and national cultural experts, the Bridge Arts Project Committee is pursuing a vision for the new bridge to be used as the centrepiece for a multi-million dollar arts initiative.
“The new bridge will run through several kilometres of bushland, and will be elevated by pillars in parts and raised earthworks elsewhere,” Barry said. “These structures beneath the bridge and approaches provide blank canvases and a unique opportunity for major artists to interpret history and help build a large, dramatic outdoor contemporary art park." The central theme of the bridge arts project would be the retelling of the history of Australia's inhabitants, with a focus on our indigenous stories, which have often been distorted, sanitised or not told at all.
"Ours is the oldest living culture on earth," said artist Clive Atkinson, "We have a rich history going back many thousands of years. We would like that story to be told and recognised.”
More recently, the collision between local indigenous Australians and Europeans in the 1800’s and beyond involved atrocities against indigenous people and led to their demoralisation and marginalization. The world deserves to discover these stories. Neville Atkinson, chairperson of Yorta Yorta Nation says : "The Yorta Yorta Nation being the traditional owners of the region are keenly interested in social inclusion and contributing to the economical development for the region. We clearly see this project as presenting an opportunity to develop much needed partnerships in the local community."
Local aboriginal history will form part of a wider national indigenous narrative that will be sought and featured, making the gallery a national and international drawcard for the region. The stories of non-aboriginal Australians will also be featured, to reflect the diverse nature of all our peoples’ origins. To support the outdoor elements, Barry envisages an indoor contemporary art gallery, cafe, and tour information centre. A sculpture park and fauna park are also in his sights.
The project would add a substantial new dimension to the towns’ existing historical attraction, which is based primarily around its river-boat history, and would give a voice to the original custodians, both locally and throughout Australia. Enthusiastic support and ongoing participation of the Yorta Yorta Nation will ensure strong cultural guidance for the project. Wide-ranging support for the project has also been offered by the Murray Regional Tourism Board, Mirrimbeena Aboriginal Education Group, C4EM, Echuca Moama Tourism, Shire of Campaspe, Murray Shire and the Echuca Moama Arts Initiative. Additional pro-bono support has been offered by Stubberfields Accountants, Dawes and Vary and Brandrick Architects. On a broader scale, nationally recognised indigenous cultural experts have shown great interest in the project.
"An opportunity like this doesn’t come along very often,” said Barry. “We are getting the bones of a gallery built for us. It’s up to us to put the flesh on it. Imagine what Gaudi could've done with it!!”
And so would local timber conservationist Barry Donchi. Together with aboriginal artists and educators, Clive and Judy Atkinson, Yorta Yorta representatives, Damian Morgan Bulled and Neville Atkinson, the local arts community and national cultural experts, the Bridge Arts Project Committee is pursuing a vision for the new bridge to be used as the centrepiece for a multi-million dollar arts initiative.
“The new bridge will run through several kilometres of bushland, and will be elevated by pillars in parts and raised earthworks elsewhere,” Barry said. “These structures beneath the bridge and approaches provide blank canvases and a unique opportunity for major artists to interpret history and help build a large, dramatic outdoor contemporary art park." The central theme of the bridge arts project would be the retelling of the history of Australia's inhabitants, with a focus on our indigenous stories, which have often been distorted, sanitised or not told at all.
"Ours is the oldest living culture on earth," said artist Clive Atkinson, "We have a rich history going back many thousands of years. We would like that story to be told and recognised.”
More recently, the collision between local indigenous Australians and Europeans in the 1800’s and beyond involved atrocities against indigenous people and led to their demoralisation and marginalization. The world deserves to discover these stories. Neville Atkinson, chairperson of Yorta Yorta Nation says : "The Yorta Yorta Nation being the traditional owners of the region are keenly interested in social inclusion and contributing to the economical development for the region. We clearly see this project as presenting an opportunity to develop much needed partnerships in the local community."
Local aboriginal history will form part of a wider national indigenous narrative that will be sought and featured, making the gallery a national and international drawcard for the region. The stories of non-aboriginal Australians will also be featured, to reflect the diverse nature of all our peoples’ origins. To support the outdoor elements, Barry envisages an indoor contemporary art gallery, cafe, and tour information centre. A sculpture park and fauna park are also in his sights.
The project would add a substantial new dimension to the towns’ existing historical attraction, which is based primarily around its river-boat history, and would give a voice to the original custodians, both locally and throughout Australia. Enthusiastic support and ongoing participation of the Yorta Yorta Nation will ensure strong cultural guidance for the project. Wide-ranging support for the project has also been offered by the Murray Regional Tourism Board, Mirrimbeena Aboriginal Education Group, C4EM, Echuca Moama Tourism, Shire of Campaspe, Murray Shire and the Echuca Moama Arts Initiative. Additional pro-bono support has been offered by Stubberfields Accountants, Dawes and Vary and Brandrick Architects. On a broader scale, nationally recognised indigenous cultural experts have shown great interest in the project.
"An opportunity like this doesn’t come along very often,” said Barry. “We are getting the bones of a gallery built for us. It’s up to us to put the flesh on it. Imagine what Gaudi could've done with it!!”
PROGRESS REPORTS
Keep up to date with the latest progress on the Bridge Arts Project and media coverage:
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2019
The 2019 year has been a year of unprecedented activity and success for the Bridge Art Project.
We began the year with the news that our second application to the Building Better Regions Fund was successful. This allowed us to commission a Master Plan for the precinct.
The funding was made possible by supporting grants from Murray River Council, Campaspe Shire Council, Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, VicRoads Major Road Projects and the Moama Bowling Club. Their collective donations of $50,000 were matched by $50,00 from the BBRF.
A group of consultants, led by Terroir, was briefed to undertake a plan for the BAP precinct, together with a plan for the revitalisation of Meninya St following the construction of the new bridge. That Master Plan was the result of extensive community and business consultation and was delivered in April 2019. The plan is wide ranging and detailed. Included were forecasts of revenues and expenses under a range of scenarios.
Since it was delivered, BAP has commissioned additional work to be undertaken to assess the business case for the venture. Importantly, we wanted to know the financial viability and return on capital for the project over a 10 year period, information that is critical in the application for further capital grants. The work has been completed and indicates that the Benefit Cost Ratio (the indicator of benefit generated vs capital cost) is favourable under the most likely scenarios.
In the meantime, application was made by Murray River Council on BAP’s behalf for a capital grant from the NSW State Government. The result of that application will be known shortly, and if successful, will generate $3.8 million towards the first phase of the project.
One important element of the Master Plan was a recommendation to seek a site on Meninya St as the entry point for the precinct, and as the site of the main gallery. This would necessitate the purchase of land in Meninya St for that purpose, and work has been undertaken to assess potential funding sources for that acquisition. Already the support of the Moama Bowling Club has been sought and received, providing an initial $100,000 towards the project.
Initial investigations have been undertaken with landholders between Meninya St and the BAP site to determine their potential support for facilitating access.
In order to further promote the project with the community and potential donors and sponsors, we have commissioned a short video outlining key elements of the Master Plan. This has been funded through the BBRF grant, and will be completed in early September.
The BBRF grant has been acquitted, and important step in finalising our obligations to the grant body.
Finally, I would like to thank all who have been involved in the project during the year for their ongoing commitment and participation. In particular, I want to thank Deputy Chairman Barry Donchi for his unfailing enthusiasm and critical contributions, and Secretary/Treasurer, Lynne Gillard, who has borne the brunt of most of the grant work, Master Plan oversight and has kept BAP running on an even keel.
Chris Bilkey
Chair
26 August 2019
From Annual General Meeting
We began the year with the news that our second application to the Building Better Regions Fund was successful. This allowed us to commission a Master Plan for the precinct.
The funding was made possible by supporting grants from Murray River Council, Campaspe Shire Council, Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, VicRoads Major Road Projects and the Moama Bowling Club. Their collective donations of $50,000 were matched by $50,00 from the BBRF.
A group of consultants, led by Terroir, was briefed to undertake a plan for the BAP precinct, together with a plan for the revitalisation of Meninya St following the construction of the new bridge. That Master Plan was the result of extensive community and business consultation and was delivered in April 2019. The plan is wide ranging and detailed. Included were forecasts of revenues and expenses under a range of scenarios.
Since it was delivered, BAP has commissioned additional work to be undertaken to assess the business case for the venture. Importantly, we wanted to know the financial viability and return on capital for the project over a 10 year period, information that is critical in the application for further capital grants. The work has been completed and indicates that the Benefit Cost Ratio (the indicator of benefit generated vs capital cost) is favourable under the most likely scenarios.
In the meantime, application was made by Murray River Council on BAP’s behalf for a capital grant from the NSW State Government. The result of that application will be known shortly, and if successful, will generate $3.8 million towards the first phase of the project.
One important element of the Master Plan was a recommendation to seek a site on Meninya St as the entry point for the precinct, and as the site of the main gallery. This would necessitate the purchase of land in Meninya St for that purpose, and work has been undertaken to assess potential funding sources for that acquisition. Already the support of the Moama Bowling Club has been sought and received, providing an initial $100,000 towards the project.
Initial investigations have been undertaken with landholders between Meninya St and the BAP site to determine their potential support for facilitating access.
In order to further promote the project with the community and potential donors and sponsors, we have commissioned a short video outlining key elements of the Master Plan. This has been funded through the BBRF grant, and will be completed in early September.
The BBRF grant has been acquitted, and important step in finalising our obligations to the grant body.
Finally, I would like to thank all who have been involved in the project during the year for their ongoing commitment and participation. In particular, I want to thank Deputy Chairman Barry Donchi for his unfailing enthusiasm and critical contributions, and Secretary/Treasurer, Lynne Gillard, who has borne the brunt of most of the grant work, Master Plan oversight and has kept BAP running on an even keel.
Chris Bilkey
Chair
26 August 2019
From Annual General Meeting
media release
4 Dec 2018
MEDIA RELEASE
Community consultation on a major new Moama based project is currently underway.
The Bridge Art Project precinct, combined with a redesign of Meninya St, is the focus of an extensive consultation process which has just commenced, with the aim of producing a master plan for implementation following the completion of the new Echuca Moama Bridge.
The planning process will initially focus on Meninya St and surrounds and is being overseen by consultants Terroir Pty Ltd, the Bridge Art Project Committee and Murray River Council.
“The new bridge will change the nature of traffic through Meninya St, reducing the heavy transport component, and providing us with an ideal opportunity to re-imagine the street as a user friendly space for visitors and locals alike,” said Murray River Council’s Manager Economic Development and Tourism, John Harvie.
Consultation sessions were held this week with local businesses, residents, Yorta Yorta Nation, members of the arts community and Council staff from both sides of the river, where a wide range of ideas and opportunities were canvassed.
“This is a one-off chance to create something special,” said local businessman and resident, John Kenley. “It’s critical that we take the time to get it right.”
Terroir Pty Ltd co-leader Sally Hirst said this is a game changing project for the community.
“This project offers a lot of potential for the local area and the region and we are excited to be part of it,” she said
The precinct for the Bridge Art Project comprises 8 hectares of land adjacent to the new bridge, extending from Boundary Rd at the northern end through a kilometre of bushland to the banks of the river.
The planning comprises 5 stages, with the first being an urban analysis of Moama and a business and economic analysis of Meninya Street.
The final phase, which will see the finalisation of the masterplan, is due for completion in April next year.
Further community consultation will take place as the project continues.
The Bridge Art Project is the brainchild of local Barry Donchi who is pleased with the progress made so far.
“After six years of work by our committee, it’s wonderful to see this master plan underway, and to see the project being talked about,” Mr Donchi said.
Funding for the master plan was provided through a grant from the Building Better Regions Fund, which was matched by grants from Murray River Council, Campaspe Shire, Yorta Yorta Nation, VicRoads (Major Road Projects) and the Moama Bowling Club.
Interested community members can now also provide input into the project via a community survey which can be accessed on Murray River Council’s website.
The survey will close on 7 December 2018.
-ends-
Further information:
Chris Bilkey
Chair, Bridge Arts Project
0401 032 304
MEDIA RELEASE
Community consultation on a major new Moama based project is currently underway.
The Bridge Art Project precinct, combined with a redesign of Meninya St, is the focus of an extensive consultation process which has just commenced, with the aim of producing a master plan for implementation following the completion of the new Echuca Moama Bridge.
The planning process will initially focus on Meninya St and surrounds and is being overseen by consultants Terroir Pty Ltd, the Bridge Art Project Committee and Murray River Council.
“The new bridge will change the nature of traffic through Meninya St, reducing the heavy transport component, and providing us with an ideal opportunity to re-imagine the street as a user friendly space for visitors and locals alike,” said Murray River Council’s Manager Economic Development and Tourism, John Harvie.
Consultation sessions were held this week with local businesses, residents, Yorta Yorta Nation, members of the arts community and Council staff from both sides of the river, where a wide range of ideas and opportunities were canvassed.
“This is a one-off chance to create something special,” said local businessman and resident, John Kenley. “It’s critical that we take the time to get it right.”
Terroir Pty Ltd co-leader Sally Hirst said this is a game changing project for the community.
“This project offers a lot of potential for the local area and the region and we are excited to be part of it,” she said
The precinct for the Bridge Art Project comprises 8 hectares of land adjacent to the new bridge, extending from Boundary Rd at the northern end through a kilometre of bushland to the banks of the river.
The planning comprises 5 stages, with the first being an urban analysis of Moama and a business and economic analysis of Meninya Street.
The final phase, which will see the finalisation of the masterplan, is due for completion in April next year.
Further community consultation will take place as the project continues.
The Bridge Art Project is the brainchild of local Barry Donchi who is pleased with the progress made so far.
“After six years of work by our committee, it’s wonderful to see this master plan underway, and to see the project being talked about,” Mr Donchi said.
Funding for the master plan was provided through a grant from the Building Better Regions Fund, which was matched by grants from Murray River Council, Campaspe Shire, Yorta Yorta Nation, VicRoads (Major Road Projects) and the Moama Bowling Club.
Interested community members can now also provide input into the project via a community survey which can be accessed on Murray River Council’s website.
The survey will close on 7 December 2018.
-ends-
Further information:
Chris Bilkey
Chair, Bridge Arts Project
0401 032 304
july 2018 funding announcement:
SYMPOSIUM A SUCCESS
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AN AWE INSPIRING VIDEO GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE
Vic Roads have generously uploaded the awe-inspiring computer-generated flythrough of the Mid–West corridor option - Mid - West Option HD (External link) to youtube and linked in to their official website's project page so the public can begin to grasp the magnitude of the second bridge crossing. Please visit their web page to read of their latest progress and explore their staggering vision. A huge nod of congratulations to Mr Mal Kersting for what he and his team have achieved for Echuca Moama's future. The Bridge Art Project look forward to adding a very unique and culturally significant touch to the bridge as the concept evolves! WATCH COMPUTER GENERATED VIDEO: Note: To view full screen press the white box in bottom right hand corner. Copyright VIc Roads (c) 2016
SYMPOSIUM REVIEW
'A Bridge to the Future' The Gala Dinner and Symposium, held at the MBC in Moama was a hugely successful event, attracting keynote speakers from all over the country and featuring a pivotal entree to the official Memoriam of Understanding between The Bridge Art Project and Yorta Yorta Nation. The Symposium was attended by over 100. READ MORE |
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THANKYOU
WE THANK OUR SUPPORTERS IN THE INITIAL PLANNING STAGES OF THE PROJECT
A WORD OF SUPPORT FROM PAUL WELLER, M.P. MEMBER FOR RODNEY
SETTING
- WHY HERE IN A REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT?
A project of this magnitude could never be achieved in a metropolitan area. An outdoor art scape across Dungula (The Yorta Yorta name for The Murray River) opposite a thriving colonial port in Echuca with subject matter dealing with local indigenous history and national cultural development has found its place on sacred Yorta Yorta land. As a tourist mecca, Echuca Moama has the infrastructure to support this project and its potential popularity to visitors. With a pending bridge construction, the time is ripe to design a narrative in harmony with the environment and the bridge plans. The local aboriginal heritage, hosting Australia's largest indigenous nation along with the post-colonial preservations in the Wharf precinct, add unique credence to the project's location. The vast bush land surrounding the Murray River is the perfect bedland for this long term vision.
- YORTA YORTA NATION
The Bridge Arts Project will be staged around the new Murray "Dungula" River bridge crossing in Echuca/Moama which is part of widespread Yorta Yorta territory. Traditionally, the river was not a border to the indigenous people. Yorta Yorta Nation comprises all the Yorta Yorta speaking clans, including the following: Kaitheban, Wollithiga, Moira, Ulupna, Bangerang, Kwat Kwat, Yalaba Yalaba and Ngurai-illiam-wurrung.
- ECHUCA-MOAMA
Echuca/Moama is a border-town hub located on the banks of the Murray and Campaspe rivers in Victoria/New South Wales, Australia. Echuca, a name meaning "Meeting of the Waters" in traditional Yorta Yorta language is indicative of the role rivers have played in the town's existence. Moama, also an Yorta Yorta name, means “Place of the Dead,” reflecting the use of the sandy soil there as burial sites. The Bridge Arts Project: Bridging History on the Murray has found its logical geographical location in Echuca/Moama - a place where two border towns will host a reconciliatory arts project across the iconic Murray near a riverway junction.
