Redfern’s Living Museum to Celebrate Aboriginal History

The City of Sydney is inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to transform a historic terrace in Redfern into a living museum, creating a vibrant cultural space that honours the stories and histories of local Aboriginal communities.

The last remaining terrace on Caroline Street, part of the iconic area known as *The Block*, will become a place to showcase memories, knowledge, and key moments shared by Aboriginal residents. From everyday life to significant national events, this project will capture the spirit of Redfern’s Aboriginal community.

Currently featuring the renowned *Welcome to Redfern* mural by Reko Rennie and local Aboriginal artists, the terrace is set to undergo an interior transformation. The City of Sydney seeks creative proposals from First Nations artists, architects, filmmakers, and sound designers to reimagine the building as a space for storytelling, blending contemporary and archival materials.

“Located in the heart of Redfern, this project is deeply significant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” said curator Emily McDaniel. “We are inviting First Nations creatives to redefine the Redfern Terrace as a hub for community knowledge and creativity.”

Built in the 1880s, the terrace has a rich history, from its origins as a shop and residence to its later use by a nearby sawmill. Now, it stands ready to serve as a cultural beacon, reflecting the strong Aboriginal presence in Redfern that dates back to the 1930s.

The transformation of the terrace is a key element of the City of Sydney’s Eora Journey—a program dedicated to promoting the cultural, social, and economic sustainability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. As Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO explains, “This project is a commitment to ensuring Redfern remains a proudly Aboriginal place, inspired by the courage and resilience of its First Nations people.”

This initiative aligns with broader plans for the area, including upgrades to three local parks and the new Waterloo metro station, ensuring the community has safe and welcoming spaces amid Redfern’s rapid urban development.

The terrace will be a powerful symbol of Aboriginal heritage in a changing city, celebrating both contemporary and historical stories while fostering a future built on respect and shared responsibility.

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