Hassell was commissioned to develop a concept design for the Aboriginal Cultural Center in Western Australia in Whadjuk Noongar Country. A WA Government communiqué describes the vision of the new center as “an immersive cultural hub showcasing Aboriginal creativity through art, dance, language, song and storytelling.”
Plans for the project were first announced in August 2022. The proposed site is between the Derbarl Yerrigan/Swan River and the Perth Concert Hall, which is currently being revitalized by With Architecture Studio and OMA.
Prime Minister Roger Cook said: “Hassell’s appointment is the next important milestone in the establishment of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a project of great importance to Western Australia.”
According to Cook, “Hassell brings valuable design expertise to create a world-class cultural landmark that celebrates Aboriginal cultures and deepens our shared understanding.” Her appointment builds on her portfolio of award-winning infrastructure projects, such as Optus Stadium in Perth (with Cox Architecture and HKS) and her involvement in the Laak Boorndap garden (with Solid Objectives, horticulturists Nigel Dunnett and James Hitchmough and plant expert Jac Semmler of Super Bloom), currently under the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation is under construction.
Hassell will work with key stakeholders and Aboriginal communities to develop a design for the WA Aboriginal Cultural Center based on First Nations knowledge and connection to the land. To realize this vision, the Government has also appointed Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna and former Treasurer and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt as co-chairs of the Aboriginal Cultural Center Implementation Group.
To date, $104 million in funding has been allocated to the project, with matching contributions from the state and federal governments.
In the eyes of the WA Government, the center will be “a major driver of cultural tourism, providing vibrant events and connecting local, interstate and international visitors with the local community, artists and creatives.”
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk noted: “Western Australia is home to some of the country’s most talented creatives and this project showcases that expertise on the world stage.”