Spoken by Professor Russell Harrison—Chief Executive Officer, Western Health

Artworks throughout the hospital celebrate Footscray’s heritage and diversity with contributions from our First Nations artists. The art featured across the site has been commissioned by Plenary Health in partnership with the project’s official arts partner, the incredible Footscray Community Arts, and in collaboration with our state government and Western Health staff.

Spoken by Olana Janfa, artist

I’ve done a series of 83 artworks around the hospital and the themes of the artworks are memories, growth, gathering, and strength and nature. And those artworks, inspired by the workshop I did with different community groups around Footscray and people who attended the workshop, told me what’s important to them.

It’s inspired by the community. I’ve never done a series of 83 artworks. It’s the biggest project I’ve ever done. It took me more than six months. I want the Footscray community to feel represented and connected.

I know Footscray for a long time, so I want the work to feel a part of community with those artworks across the hospital. I focused on making the artwork welcoming and calming. Especially in a place where people can feel stressed and emotional.