A new artwork has been unveiled in the Fremantle Visitor Centre.
The Welcome to Walyalup wall feature, created by Jasmine Little, was the winning entry in a competition run by the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) and the City of Fremantle supported by Tourism Western Australia (TWA).
Jasmine, an emerging artist with a passion for blending contemporary and traditional Aboriginal art, shared her excitement about the project:
"I am heavily influenced by my ancestral connections to traditional Aboriginal art, giving my designs a contemporary twist. I take pride in including sentimental elements, giving deeper meaning and value, while blending modern and traditional techniques with a range of colour schemes."
The artwork depicts king skinks, a respected animal of cultural significance in the Fremantle area. The vibrant blue tones represent the sea life and acknowledge the continued presence of Aboriginal tribes residing in the area today. Additional symbols celebrate the locals and tourists attending the many events and attractions in Walyalup Fremantle.
Last year, the Visitor Centre's team of volunteer ambassadors welcomed 42,450 people to Fremantle.
Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the City supports the growth of Aboriginal Tourism within Fremantle.
"Creating more opportunities for Indigenous Tourism are just some of the key deliverables in our latest Walyalup Reconciliation Action Plan.
"We are proud and honoured to welcome Jasmine's artwork into the Visitor Centre, where it will be the centrepiece for many years to come."
The City of Fremantle has also offered the young artist the opportunity to sell prints of her design and other merchandise in the Visitor Centre.
The Art Mural has been delivered under the Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2021-2025. The plan, which was developed in consultation between WAITOC (Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council), Tourism Western Australia, and other government agencies, features a range of cultural programs, and aims to position Western Australia as the nation's premier destination for authentic Aboriginal tourism.
WAITOC Board Chair Walter McGuire embraced the Council's strong partnership with Tourism Western Australia and the WA Visitor Centre Association at this fourth launch of a series of Art Murals that are set to acknowledge Western Australia's rich cultural history at a range of locations around the state.
"With this exciting initiative, we are placing a strong cultural footprint at key visitor information hubs, welcoming travellers from Australia and beyond, sharing our unique stories, raising awareness of the diverse range of cultural groups, and inviting them to enjoy our rich array of cultural experiences."
"I would like to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions that the local Noongar Whadjuk people have made to Walyalup for many generations, and through this art piece, we look forward to raising awareness of the immersive cultural opportunities available to visitors".
This vibrant addition to the Fremantle Visitor Centre reflects the City's dedication to fostering deeper connections with Aboriginal culture while creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all visitors to Walyalup.
Above image: The artwork was created by artist Jasmine Little, pictured with Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge (r) and State Member for Fremantle, Simone McGurk.
