MAREE CLARKE & MITCH MAHONEY’S TAPESTRY FOR THE NEW FOOTSCRAY HOSPITAL

Last week marked the completion of the first tapestry panel for the artwork Welcome to Country – now you see me: seeing the invisible. This piece is designed by Maree Clarke (Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung) and Mitch Mahoney (Boonwurrung/Barkindji). This milestone was celebrated during an official ceremony where the tapestry was cut from its loom.

Created over 14 months by a team of twelve weavers and two dyeing specialists, this tapestry is the result of a remarkable collaboration involving more than 1O,OOO hours of skilled craftsmanship.

We congratulate Maree, Mitch and each of the dedicated weavers and dyers that helped bring this beautiful work to life.

Commissioned for the new Footscray Hospital, this landmark tapestry is designed to offer moments of reflection and connection. It will provide a joyful and calming presence in a healthcare environment that can often feel overwhelming.

“It’s so important to think about new ideas to present traditional culture in a contemporary, positive, respectful way that embraces new mediums. It’s thrilling to be in the final stages of collaboration and witnessing our design realised through the artistry of the weavers.” – Maree Clarke

Welcome to Country – now you see me: seeing the invisible is a tapestry commission supported by The Premier’s Suite partnership for the new Footscray Hospital. The Premier’s Suite is a partnership between the Tapestry Foundation of Australia, the State Government of Victoria and the Australian Hotels Association to fund the production of major tapestry commissions that are gifted to new Victorian hospitals.

Image: Artists Maree Clarke & Mitch Mahoney stand alongside the Australian Tapestry Workshop’s team of weavers and dyers to celebrate the completion of Welcome to Country – now you see me: seeing the invisible, 2O24-25, tapestry 4.2 x 1O m. Image courtesy of Astrid Mulder.