Renowned Victorian artist Maree Clarke has been appointed to commission, design and deliver the works for Stolen Generations Marker alongside the Yarra River/Birrarung.
Announced earlier this year on the 16th anniversary of the apology to the Stolen Generation, the marker will be erected on Peppercorn Lawn in Alexandra Gardens on Wurundjeri Country.
The City of Melbourne worked closely with its Stolen Generation Working Group, who advised the location as preferable for the a reminder of the practices that saw Aboriginal children removed from their families through government policies, officially up until the 1970s.
An artist, curator, cultural facilitator and educator, Ms Clarke is a Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Mutti Mutti and Boonwurrung woman who has played a pivotal role in the reclamation of south-east Australian Aboriginal art and cultural practices.
She was selected to commission the Marker by an independent panel of people from the Stolen Generations and their descendants, Traditional Owners, and Stolen Generations support organisation workers.
Ms Clarke said she felt "totally honoured" to be awarded the Stolen Generations Public Art Commission.
"As an artist, I am compelled to create work that challenges viewers to confront the complexities of the human experience," she said.
"This artwork will be a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of displacement and the importance of empathy and compassion in our world.
"I hope that this sculpture will inspire viewers to think critically about the ways in which we treat our most vulnerable citizens – children – and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all."
Ms Clarke has made significant contributions to contemporary arts and First Nations cultural sectors for over 30 years, with her exhibitions viewed widely across Australia and the globe.
She was a recipient of the 2020 Australia Council Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Fellowship and was a finalist for the 2023 Victorian Australian of the Year.
In the same year, Ms Clarke was awarded the prestigious $60,000 Yalingwa Fellowship for a Senior First Peoples artist.
Stolen Generations Working Group member, Tracey Evans, a Gunditjmara/ Stolen Generation descendant, said she was both "excited and humbled" to be working with Ms Clarke.
"The journey of healing for our Stolen Generation survivors, their families and our community will be one of hope, respect and understanding and Maree will bring to life this realisation for us all," Ms Evans said.
The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Councillor Nick Reece said they were "so proud that Maree will be able to connect culture, storytelling and healing through art".
"The Stolen Generations were denied the most basic of human rights, the right to grow up in a home with your family and culture," Mr Reece said.
"We hope this marker will be another step on the journey of truth telling, healing and reconciliation for the Stolen Generations, Aboriginal people and all Australians."
The panel considered three concept designs by established Aboriginal artists with a strong connection to Victoria.
It was felt Ms Clarke's design best met the requirements of the brief in helping to reflect the stories of survivors as well as serving as a place of connection, education and solace.
"I want to sincerely thank our Stolen Generations Working Group who have thoughtfully considered both the location and our artist who will deliver an inspiring piece of public art," Mr Reece said.
