acknowledgement of country

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which Melbourne stands, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.As a part of Melbourne creative community and fashion industry, it is crucial to recognise the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the First Nations peoples who have been the custodians of this land for over 60,000 years. Their visual language, storytelling, and iconography form the foundation of Australia’s design history and continue to inspire and influence contemporary practice. We acknowledge that Indigenous visual culture has often been devalued, exploited, and misappropriated throughout Australia’s colonial history.

 

As designers and creatives, we have a responsibility to respect and honour the cultural ownership of Indigenous designs, symbols, and stories. We commit to engaging ethically and respectfully with Indigenous knowledge and seeking appropriate permissions when referencing or incorporating Indigenous visual elements in our work.In the spirit of reconciliation and cultural respect, we strive to create a design industry that is inclusive, acknowledges Indigenous contributions, and empowers Indigenous designers to shape the visual identity of Melbourne and Victoria. We recognise the importance of Indigenous voices in determining how their knowledge and culture are represented and commercialised in the field of fashion design. .Let us always have a growing awareness of the land’s history, the ongoing impacts of colonisation, and our collective responsibility to promote cultural safety and equity in our industry.

 

May our creative work contribute to a more just and inclusive visual landscape that celebrates the diversity and richness of all cultures in Melbourne and Victoria.