Reconciliation Week Illuminations on the National Carillon

Traditionally, the National Capital Authority has been actively participating in National Reconciliation Week by hosting a smoking ceremony by the Ngunnawal community in the early morning of Reconciliation Day. With COVID-19 restriction on public gathering in 2020, the National Capital Authority sought an alternative and meaningful acknowledgement of the week that all Canberrans could enjoy.

In a striking symbol of the same intentions of the bridge walks, the National Carillon was used as a stunning electric canvas for the first time to project a fabulous series of narratives and imagery for Reconciliation Week 2020 in the capital. The projections have been prepared by architectural projectionists, The Electric Canvas, who are also responsible for the Enlighten projections.

As part of the National Carillon’s 50th Anniversary year celebrations, the three-sided building became a 50-metre canvas, displaying an 8-night series of imagery and messaging to commemorate Reconciliation Week.

To assemble the meaningful messaging, the National Capital Authority collaborated with numerous contributors and Indigenous communities including Reconciliation Australia, the ACT Reconciliation Council, the United Ngunnawal Elders Council and Ngunnawal traditional owners, and members of Canberra’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities (listed below).

On each night, from 27 May to 3 June 2020, the Carillon showcased a different image overlayed by important messages about the nation’s journey to Reconciliation. The event debuted with Nikita Ridgeway’s (Biripi/Bunjalung artist) work celebrating the 2020 Reconciliation Week theme “In This Together”, followed by works from other groups.

The series of illuminations captured the attention of media and the public, providing a platform for conversations about reconciliation and its place within Australia’s future. The event was highly successful and has been nominated for an Australian Events Award.