Jinjamarda; little brother, little sister

by Luisa Skyring

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to advocate for First Nations design and inclusivity in contemporary industrial design processes. By promoting reconciliation through knowledge transfer between First Nations people and delivery partners, trust and respect will be built. Creating a culturally aware, transparent methodology will raise awareness for First Nations rights and connection to Country. This in turn will form high quality design outcomes. By prioritising First Nations designers and community, integration of Indigenous design processes will become seamless and obvious. By creating space, First Nations voices will always be embedded in each design practice, acknowledging the lack of inclusivity in past design processes. Through this, an authentic representation of First Nations Knowledge and lore will form a standard for future industrial design practice in Australia.

Design Intent

The purpose of this project is to advocate for First Nations design and inclusivity in contemporary industrial design processes. This document does not aim to provide a step-by-step guide to connecting with Country or engaging with Community. It is not possible to do this, as no one process is the same. Each individual must take their own steps to engage with Country. In doing this, a personal, authentic connection with Country will be established.

The purpose of this concept is:

• To promote reconciliation through knowledge sharing between First Nations and non-indigenous groups, to rebuild relationships through trust and respect.

• To create an example of how Aboriginal rights and connection to Country can be maintained and considered through a design process that is culturally aware and transparent.

• To prioritise the integration of First Nations designers in design processes.

Current industrial design practice is often not inclusive of First Nations design process. Change is a priority, therefore this process will present an approach to collaboration between First Nations and non-indigenous designers. Jinjamarda aims to form a culturally aware and transparent concept which acknowledges the lack of inclusivity of First Nations design in current and previous industrial design processes. It is hoped that through this, authentic representation of Aboriginal knowledge and lore will be developed for future industrial design practice in Australia.

Quotes:

‘It is time that colonial nations acknowledge that it is no longer acceptable for design to be done without us or for us, but with us’ (Building on Country, 2021:169).

‘Inclusive design is not a new type of design but an intentional project that sets out to include significant sectors of society that are all too frequently ignored or overlooked’. (Coleman et al., 2003)

Transparency when working with First Nations people is of the upmost importance due to the lack of trust and respect between non-Indigenous and Indigenous people.

Bio

Luisa is an industrial designer based in Sydney, NSW. She is especially interested in cross cultural collaboration, which has led her to working with artists, designers and other creatives to produce transparent and inclusive designs.

Luisa is active in advocating for culturally aware and transparent design outcomes. She believes that including local community connects designs to place and allows community to engage with the design directly. Community focused concepts engage locals from idea development through to realised design and ensure a commitment to protocols and best practice. Luisa’s passion for authentic designing with clear and transparent outcomes has led her to advocate for including First Nations artists and designers on projects in Australia. Her technical and collaborative approach promotes a way forward and standard for the industrial design industry.

Monks is a multi-disciplinary creative of Yamaji Wajarri, Dutch and English heritage living and working on Worimi and Awabakal Country (Newcastle). Monks’ practice is informed by her cross-cultural identity, using storytelling as a way to connect the past with the present and future. Her works take a conceptual approach embedded in narratives and aim to promote conversation and connection.

An award-winning designer and artist, Monks crosses disciplines to work with furniture and objects, textiles, video, installation and performance. Across these varied forms of contemporary art and design, her work reflects Aboriginal philosophies of sustainability, innovation and collaboration. Monks is well known for her success as a solo and collaborative artist and founder of design practice blackandwhite creative, as well as public art company mili mili.

Monks currently sits on the UNSW Galleries Board, the Advisory Council for the UNSW School of Art, Design and Architecture, and the Design Advisory Panel for the Powerhouse Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS). Monks was the winner of UNSW Art & Design Indigenous Professional Development Award, ArtsNSW Aboriginal Design Grant, Vivid Design competition (furniture) and Sydney Design Award (Textile and Surface Design). Monks’ works are collected nationally, including the Powerhouse, Museum of Applied Arts and Science (MAAS) and National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of WA, Museum of Art and Culture, Lake Macquarie.

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