The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA Australia), in partnership with Bayside Council, will soon present Dennis Golding: On the Foreshore, a new contemporary art project created in collaboration with Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay/Biripi artist Dennis Golding and young people from the Bayside area.
The work is the MCA's 25th C3West project and marks its first expansion into Greater Sydney. Kamay Botany Bay is a place of unique importance - the site of first contact, and a continued meeting ground for diverse communities.
Positioned on the foreshores of Kamay Botany Bay, the project features a large-scale, digitally printed installation that wraps four stacked shipping containers, creating a stunning, striking visual landmark against the bay's waters and headlands.
The unique designs have been co-created by Dennis and local young people, influenced by the area and their experience of Country, identity and place.
Young people from Bayside participated in artist-led workshops, creating drawings and paintings that explored the things that ground them - food, plant life, gatherings, family, sound and shared experiences.
These motifs are woven throughout Golding's final design, alongside the symbolic movement of water. The project introduced participants to pathways in the creative industries while deepening their understanding of the Bayside landscape and its layered histories.
"In Kamay Botany Bay, the water strikes rock and port structures, rebounding with layered movements. It's a natural rhythm recognised by all who swim, fish and gather here," said Golding.
"The design of the artwork carries the voices of First Nations and culturally diverse young people who have made these shores sanctuaries and meeting grounds.
"The rebound wave in the work holds stories. It pushes back with the strength of those who live here, care for Country and belong here."
On the Foreshore reflects C3West's commitment to connecting artists with communities to create projects that respond directly to local issues, histories and aspirations across Western Sydney - and now to Greater Sydney.
C3West works with organisations and businesses to identify areas of need, supporting artist-led, socially engaged projects that foster genuine collaboration.
"MCA Australia is committed to supporting artists in shaping meaningful exchanges with communities across Sydney," said Suzanne Cotter, director, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
"C3West's On the Foreshorebrings this commitment to life by connecting young people in Bayside with the First Nations knowledge, creativity and generosity of artist Dennis Golding.
"We are proud to be working with Bayside Council to realise a project that gives concrete expression to the role of art in fostering connection, learning and cultural strength."
Bayside's arts and cultural sector has grown rapidly in recent years - from ceramics collectives in Botany and Turrella to filmmaking groups in Carlton and artists' studios across Kogarah and Rockdale.
As a region emerging as a dynamic creative hub, Bayside is a fitting home for this significant new collaboration.
On the Foreshore aims to nurture the next generation of cultural practitioners by providing hands-on experience in contemporary artmaking and community-led creative practice.
"This innovative collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia has allowed us to engage with local youth in a creative way to deliver a meaningful public art project for the community," said Bayside mayor Edward McDougall.
"I would like to thank all Bayside young people who actively contributed to the development of this monumental First Nations public artwork that is a terrific focal point for Bayside's expanding arts and culture landscape."
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