Brisbane Sign Artwork Axed: Government Corporation Reverses Indigenous Art Approval

A state government-backed corporation has reversed its approval for a temporary Aboriginal artwork to be displayed on the iconic Brisbane sign during an Indigenous arts festival. The sign, a popular tourist spot overlooking the city's heart and river, was set to be decorated with traditional patterns and colours designed by Nunukul artist Casey Coolwell-Fisher.

The proposed artwork was part of this year's Clancestry festival, which took place over 10 days from July 30 and featured storytelling, dance, markets, and music. Despite initial approval and budgeting by government-backed entities, including South Bank Corporation, the project was quietly axed, sparking concerns that Indigenous voices in state activities are being erased.

Approval and Axing of the Artwork

Documents obtained under right to information laws reveal that the $15,170 cost of the project was covered by corporate sponsorship. A QPAC employee wrote in an email to an arts department bureaucrat in April that South Bank Corporation and other entities had approved the redecoration of the sign with the Clancestry artwork.

However, within days of Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie announcing a renewal of South Bank's board in early July, the approval for the artwork was revoked. Confidential briefing papers state that QPAC chief executive Rachel Healy received an email from her South Bank counterpart, advising that the corporation was 'no longer able to provide approval' due to recent changes to its board membership.

Reaction to the Decision

South Bank Corporation told us that the Brisbane sign was a 'major asset' and that the request to redecorate it required consideration by the newly constituted board, which it was unable to do in time for Clancestry. The corporation stated it was committed to supporting all events in the precinct, including Clancestry, which was promoted across its channels.

"South Bank Corporation (and all three signatories to the deed controlling the Brisbane sign) approved the re-skinning of the Brisbane sign with the Clancestry artwork for the duration of the festival."

However, Dr. Jackie Huggins, a director of partnerships and innovation for Indigenous engagement at the University of Queensland, questioned the motives behind the decision, stating:

"I think this is a broader agenda for the powers that be to simply and deliberately attempt … to erase our culture and our presence."

Background and Context

The Brisbane sign was originally created in 2014 as a temporary landmark for the G20 summit. Dr. Huggins described the axed Clancestry redecoration as 'very symbolic,' saying:

"The design was fabulous … it's very symbolic."

A state government spokesman denied claims of a broader agenda to erase Indigenous culture, stating there was 'no such thing as Project Invisibility' and that the government was working to deliver 'tangible outcomes' for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.