CANTEEN AUSTRALIA DIGITAL ARTWORK & BANDANNA
Commissioned and licensed for Canteen's Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan in 2021.
Ngalaya is a digital artwork that was commissioned and licenced by Canteen Australia for their Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan in 2021.
Canteen is an Australian not-for-profit that provides free and tailored support to young people aged 12-25 who are impacted by cancer. Canteen was set up by a group of young cancer patients in 1985 and is one of Australia’s leading cancer organisations where young people still guide the organisation at every level.
Canteen commissioned the development of an artwork that acknowledged and represented different landscapes, waterways, cultures, and the various regions where each of their offices are located across the country. The artwork was printed on canvas and was launched as part of Canteen’s NAIDOC week celebrations which was live streamed to all staff and key dignitaries around Australia. A copy of the artwork was also presented to each of Canteen’s state-based offices.
The artwork was so well received that Ngalaya also featured on a bandanna for the Canteen’s 2022 National Bandanna Day. Held on the last Friday in October, Bandanna Day is the flagship fundraising and awareness campaign for Canteen. Since Bandanna Day began it has raised more than $35 million to support young people affected by cancer. The Ngalaya Bandanna sold out on several occasions and was a huge success across the country.
You can purchase the bandanna here.
Title
Ngalaya
Year
2021
Client
Canteen Australia
Location
Canteen Head Office, Sydney, NSW
The Ngalaya (Dharawal for ally or friend in battle) artwork itself represents Canteen and the organisation’s commitment to reconciliation.
The ‘hero feature’ (the main circle) represents Canteen as an organisation. Each concentric circle (of different size, shape, and colour) represents the varied locations and different people that come together to make up the organisation and its culture. The connecting fluid lines represent connection and the sharing of stories, knowledge and experience of Canteen staff and young people. The surrounding circles use colour to represent the uniqueness of each person’s cancer journey.
“With cancer being the leading cause of death for First Nations peoples in Australia, I am beyond proud to have the opportunity to support and facilitate important discussions in collaboration with Canteen Australia.”
Artist Jasmine Sarin, JS Koori Designs