NADA have collaborated with proud Worimi artist Gerard Black to bring to life Steelcase Australia’s first inaugural ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The RAP serves as a formal commitment by Steelcase Australia to create a diverse, inclusive workplace and build authentic relationships with First Nations businesses, artists and communities.
RAPs are part of a broader effort to move Australia towards a future of healing, respect and equality.
NADA facilitated the process of engaging an Aboriginal artist to create the original artwork for the Steelcase Australia RAP.
The artwork needed to embody the essence of the RAP across four pillars:
Relationships, Respect, Opportunities, and Governance.
After engaging in a considered selection process, the RAP Working Group unanimously chose GerardBlack: “All of the artwork submitted was just phenomenal,” said the Steelcase RAP Working Group.
“We chose Gerard because we loved his process and passion. He…was able to interlace the company’s core values with elements of Aboriginal culture, traditions and natural landscapes. We’ve had such great acceptance of the artwork. It will probably end up in many of our showrooms worldwide.”
Gerard’s artwork is named ‘Yalawa Murray,’ which means ‘Sitting Spirit’ in Gathang language from Worimi Country. It layers colour, shape and landmarks from sacred lands in an interconnected tapestry of ancient designs and patterns. “The underlying theme is to show connections between people and unlock human potential and promise,” explains Gerard in his artist statement. “This is shown by connecting to elements of nature and culture including water, sun, bush and the deeper spiritual-cultural ancestral connection to this land.”
NADA is proud to have brought Gerard and Steelcase Australia together in this exciting collaboration that demonstrates a real commitment to First Nations peoples, culture, history and future.