First Nations Arts Program 2025

Honouring the enduring cultural legacy of the First Peoples of this land, the 25 Martin Place First Nations Arts Program is proud to announce the continued partnership with celebrated Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding for another year.

Golding’s installation series Drawing from Gadigal explores the deep cultural significance of ‘white clay’, a material historically used by Aboriginal communities for art, healing, and ceremony – and continues to resonate with visitors to the 25 Martin Place precinct as a meaningful part of our cultural landscape.

 

Unearthed from beneath the streets and buildings of contemporary Sydney, including the very foundations of 25 Martin Place, white clay connects us to thousands of years of Gadigal heritage. Golding’s hand-drawn works depict the intricate tapestry of sea life, coastal lines, rivers, and water currents of Sydney Harbour and its surrounding waterways. His art also reflects Country through representations of plant life, leaves, bark, and stone flints—tools traditionally used by First Nations people.

 

Throughout 2025, pop-up installations of Drawing from Gadigal will continue to be featured across the centre, inviting visitors to engage with the stories and spirit of Gadigal Country.

 

25 Martin Place would like to thank Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative for facilitating this partnership. In the languages of the Bundjalung, Gamilaroi and Wiradjuri, Boomalli means to strike; to make a mark. As the longest running Aboriginal owned and run arts organisation, Boomalli is dedicated to supporting and mentoring new and emerging artists, hosting regular exhibits at their gallery, studio and retail space in Leichhardt, Sydney.