In 2022, the Northern Rivers Community Gallery in partnership with Ballina Shire Council and the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport undertook the commissioning of three local artists; Tania Marlowe, Daniel Roberts and Marcus Ferguson, to complete a series of public artworks to welcome visitors to the Ballina Shire as part of the airport redevelopment. 

The project included the design and concept development of three artworks; Five Shields - Airport Boulevard Sculptures, Djandamandi Jagun - Garrima Jagun Airport Terminal Weaving Works and Yawaybanyaragan – Celebrating a Good Feast Airport  Window Decals. The artists participated in a design development workshop and worked collaboratively to resolve the design concepts for the sculptural and window decal elements, and Tania was independently commissioned to develop woven artworks. This process was endorsed by Chris Binge from Jali Aboriginal Land Council. 

The project implementation was carried out in 2022 and the final artworks installed in early 2023. 

ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES 

Marcus Ferguson is a Bundjalung man and artist with a spiritual connection to the lower Richmond River. “I find personal enjoyment spending time within this cultural active landscape”.

Tania Malowe is a local Bundjalung-Nyangbal & Kamilaroi artist and weaver from Cabbage Tree Island and resides in Ballina.“I have always had a love for art and continue to be inspired by my Elders wisdom and stories. I embrace the natural colours of natural environment which are implemented in my works giving an acknowledgment and representation of my Country, Culture and Community.”

Daniel Roberts is a proud Bundjalung man and artist from Cabbage Tree Island.“I enjoy creating artworks that help tell the story of our cultural connection to Country.”