International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has announced the launch of ‘Gadigal Dreaming – The Sacred Country of the Gadigal People’ – an interactive experience that showcases the traditional culture and stories of Sydney’s original custodians.
Together with Bilbie XR Labs — an award-winning First Nations digital storytelling enterprise, the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) and with the support of Investment New South Wales, has set up an innovative First Nations audiovisual experience for all visitors to the Darling Harbour precinct.
The digital experience, ‘Gadigal Dreaming – The Sacred Country of the Gadigal People’, transports visitors to Gadigal Country, the land on which ICC Sydney is situated, at a time prior to European arrival through interactive, animated scenes that depict the traditional cultural practices of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation.
From 1 September to 31 October, Gadigal Dreaming will be shown at sunset daily on the outdoor screens throughout Darling Harbour, Tumbalong, and then every hour on the hour until 11:00pm.
The program consists of eight scenes covering gathering, fishing, corroboree, crafting, tracks, hunting, camp life and cosmology legends that will be released over the two-month period. Through QR codes, it also provides viewers with an augmented reality experience through their own devices.
“We hope Gadigal Dreaming will increase visitors to this dynamic family-friendly precinct and encourage event attendees to stay longer in the area,” said managing partner ASM Global Group Director, Convention Centres and ICC Sydney CEO, Geoff Donaghy.
Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Nathan Moran said, “As CEO of Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) it’s been a great honour as the local Aboriginal representative body for ICC Sydney to work collaboratively with ICC Sydney on ensuring its design and operations reflect local Gadigal culture heritage. This project is a further example of this relationship that MLALC proudly promotes as a sample of effective and respectful partnership of both respective bodies.”
Gadigal Dreaming – The Sacred Country of the Gadigal People is proudly supported by the NSW Government through the CBDs Revitalisation Program.
