Koorie Heritage Trust Indigenous Art Gallery Melbourne
Tucked away in the bustling heart of Federation Square, the Koorie Heritage Trust art gallery is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich culture and history of the First Peoples of South Eastern Australia.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this Indigenous art gallery offers an enriching experience that both provokes thought and dazzles visually.
It’s a must-see for anyone who values Aboriginal art, culture, and storytelling.
Related reading: Melbourne’s Indigenous Heart: Koorie Heritage Trust Walk, Gallery and Shop
>> Head straight to our personal tidbits including accessibility for Koorie Heritage Trust
KHT Current Indigenous Exhibitions Melbourne
Let’s Shake
This exhibition is an exploration of unity and resilience, inspired by the idea of shaking hands—a symbol of agreement, trust, and peace.
Through a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculpture, and mixed media, the artists express the ongoing journey of reconciliation and cultural exchange between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The works are vibrant, bold, and full of energy, yet they also carry a deeper message about healing and moving forward together.
As you walk through the gallery, you’ll notice that each piece feels like a conversation—one that encourages both personal reflection and a broader understanding of what reconciliation truly means.
This exhibition is particularly poignant for visitors who want to engage with Australia’s history and future in a meaningful way.
Karen Casey: Let’s Shake is on now at Koorie Heritage Trust until Sunday 24 November 2024
Our Review
We were again at the Koorie Heritage Centre to see their latest art exhibition titled Spirit of the Animals.
Created using contemporary techniques and media, the 50+ pieces of artwork on display herald the significant connection between the many different native animals and Victoria’s First Peoples.
I was, however, drawn away from the colour of the main exhibition of paintings, animation and drawings into a darkened room with around 200 hand-sized “lumps” of plaster displayed in rows on a long table and around the walls. The contrast with the vibrant art outside the room was stark but I found this array of white blobs on a black background to be very moving.
This was “Let’s Shake”, an exhibition by artist and Palawa woman Karen Casey.
A note on the wall explains the display was a result of a series of public participatory events held by the artist between 2006 and 2011:
“Casey described these gatherings as public art connection and communication events, during which participants of different cultural backgrounds and ages came together in a shared experience, holding wet plaster between their hands and making conversation until set and could be removed as a solid form, forever carrying the unique marks of the two individuals and the energy of their encounter.”
I’ve never really thought about the space held within a handshake, but here captured in plaster, was the simple but very deep connection between two people.
– Chris
Spirit of the Animals
The “Spirit of the Animals” exhibition at the Koorie Heritage Trust runs until 24 November 2024. It explores the vital role animals play in the cultural stories of Victoria’s First Peoples.
The exhibition draws from the Trust’s collection, featuring over fifty artworks and cultural artefacts. These works celebrate the connection between animals and the identity, traditions, and beliefs of Indigenous communities.
Visitors will see a variety of species, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and insects. The exhibition showcases different mediums such as paintings, animations, drawings, sculptures, tools, and adornments.
Renowned artists like Albert and Richard Mullett, Brook Andrew, Glenda Nicholls, and Lin Onus share their unique perspectives. Their work reflects the rich diversity of cultural expression within the Indigenous community.
Visitors are encouraged to engage with the themes of Place and Country. The exhibition deepens understanding of how animals symbolise clan and cultural identity among the First Peoples of Victoria.
“Spirit of the Animals” highlights both artistic skill and the strong connection between people and nature. It invites reflection on the ongoing importance of these relationships in today’s world.
This exhibition is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indigenous culture, art, and the environment.
Spirit of the Animals is on now at Koorie Heritage Trust until Sunday 24 November 2024.
Our Review
I’ve been to the Koorie Heritage Trust exhibitions twice now and will make this a regular stopping place on my outings in Melbourne. So easy to get off the train at Flinders Street and walk over to Federation Square to the KHT. The art work is always inspiring. I love the deep, meaningful stories that accompany each piece.
My most recent visit was to see the “Spirit of the Animals” exhibition which included both paintings and sculpture. Animals are an important part of Creation and Creation stories for First Peoples’ and are considered very sacred within nations and clan groups. Their recognition of Totem animals ensures that each animal is cared for and treasured in the world, through embedding a relationship and responsibility to care for each creature. There were so many paintings depicting different animals in different art styles, all beautiful. Also some wooden sculptures, and basket weaving. My personal favourite was the “Feather Flowers”.
Glenda Nicholls, the artist, shared how she never was actually taught how to make these flowers, consisting of feathers wire and tape, but learnt from watching her mum, who in her time watched her mum! The feather flowers were captivating, quite simple but beautiful, and it brought back memories of making crafty things with my own children, sometimes with gumnuts and leaves, old banksia flowers. Good memories, I hope my kids (now grown with their own kids) remember as well.
At the same time, the exhibition of “Let’s Shake” by internationally recognised artist and Palawa woman Karen Casey was so interesting and also stirred emotions. This installation of over 200 plaster casts is the tangible residue of an ongoing series of public handshakes.
The simple way these plaster mouldings were displayed was quite moving and brought a tear to my eye. Well worth a visit.
– Terrie
Shop KHT
Explore the Koorie Heritage Trust Shop for a truly distinctive shopping experience, including exclusive merchandise as part of Josh Muir: Forever I Live.
By supporting the Koorie Shop, visitors not only take home a piece of Aboriginal artistry but also contribute to the preservation and promotion of Koorie heritage.
The Koorie Heritage Trust also runs an informative walking tour. Read more about our experience on the tour here.
Tidbits for Visiting Koorie Heritage Trust
- Exhibitions Let’s Shake and Spirit of the Animals are both showing until 24 November 2024;
- Koorie Heritage Trust is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm;
- Entry is free;
- Stop by Shop KOORIE for exclusive exhibition merchandise;
- We highly recommend doing the Koorie Heritage Trust walking tour;
- Also, a visit to Mabu Mabu for lunch, located just next door;
Accessibility Koorie Heritage Trust
- The KHT gallery, shop, and walking tours are wheelchair accessible;
- Access to the Level 2 and 3 galleries is via an escalator (going up only) or 23 steps with handrails.
- Lift access and accessible bathrooms are available;
- Koorie Heritage Trust is located at Birrarung Building, Federation Square;
- Getting there is easy via public transport within 200 metres of Flinders Street Station.
Koorie Heritage Trust
Yarra Building, Federation Square, Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets, Melbourne
(03) 8662 6300 koorieheritagetrust.com.au
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