An emerging Indigenous artist has been given the opportunity to have his artwork showcased at Deakin University's new manufacturing hub.

The ManuFutures hub serves as a meeting,working and training space for start-ups, entrepreneurs and existing manufacturers as it works to grow advanced manufacturing capability in Victoria and beyond.

Artist Billy-Jay O'Toole, a Wadawurrung Traditional Owner, has delivered an art piece named 'Journey Across Country', one of four pieces originally created for installation on water fountains across the Waurn Ponds campus in 2021.

The pieces were each made to tell a different story of the land and its importance in Wadawurrung culture.

Mr O'Toole said he hoped when people walked through the new ManuFutures building, they would connect with the artwork.

"The different elements of the artwork symbolise meeting places across Wadawurrung Country, together with waterways and mountains. The colours used include the many shades of ochre found across Wadawurrung Country," he said.

"For me personally, it was a massive honour and privilege to have my work displayed at scale and in this manner.

"I'm still a young and emerging artist, so to have an opportunity like that is super rewarding, and I'm very thankful for the opportunity that Deakin University has given me."

The collaboration came about through Deakin's Sustainability program and the $9million water management project.

Deakin's environments and logistics director Emma Connan said the project aims to securing alternate water supplies and restoring waterways near the campus.

"The water fountains initiative demonstrates the shared commitment to raising awareness about the values of the Traditional Owners and their connection to Country, while also improving access to free drinking water and reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles on campus," she said.

"It's a fantastic way to express our gratitude to the Traditional Custodians for nurturing and caring for Country, which sustains us all.

"Deakin University is proud to partner with the region's Traditional Owners to promote Aboriginal values, culture, and history to its staff, students, and industry partners."

Journey Across Country was chosen for the new ManuFutures hub after design consultation with the Traditional Owners.