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Kaurna Reconciliation Sculptures

Kaurna miyurna, Kaurna yarta tampinthi (recognising Kaurna people and Kaurna land)

Kaurna sculptures placed at the front of the Festival Theatre entrance, featuring one large sculpture with water feature.

The Kaurna Reconciliation Sculptures have been situated in the forecourt of the Adelaide Festival Centre since 2002.

During Festival Centre redevelopment works the sculpture was placed in storage, until it was returned to its new home in February 2022, the King William Road entrance to Festival Theatre.

These sculptures are dedicated to the Kaurna People, as a reconciliation gift, recognising their traditional ownership and custodianship of the Adelaide Plains.

They represent some of the Kaurna story, giving insight to the Kaurna history and continuous living culture. The sculptures are installed at a traditional meeting place that remains a significant Kaurna site and is one of many included in the Kaurna Walking Trail along the Karrawirra pari (River Torrens) and in Adelaide city area.

This film was commissioned to record the sculpture for viewing until its relocation and includes interviews by Uncle Lewis Yerloburka O’Brien and Eileen Karpany.

Part of Adelaide Festival Centre's Works of Art Collection.

Credits

Video credit: Starkeyz Productions

Collaborative Artistic Team: Tony Rosella, Darren Siwes and Eileen Karpany

Stone Artist: Donato Rosella

Presented and entrusted by The Graham F Smith Peace Foundation Inc to Adelaide Festival Centre Trust.

Initially dedicated by Premier Mike Rann (2002 – 2011) on 27 September 2002

Re-dedicated by Premier Steven Marshall, Minister for the Arts on 12 February 2022 (following re-location)

Initiated and Funded by The Graham F Smith Peace Foundation with the support of public donations

Inspired by Kaurna Elder Uncle Lewis Yerloburka O’Brien, AO

Sponsors: Centenary of Federation, Arts South Australia, City of Adelaide, The Myer Foundation, Adelaide Festival Centre

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