18 March 2024
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) hosted an unveiling ceremony to reveal new First Nations artwork in the AIS Strength and Conditioning Gym.
This artwork is a large format (36x8m) breathtaking installation – one that will resonate in the hearts and minds of ASC staff, athletes, support staff and visitors to the AIS campus in Bruce.
Titled ‘Kinship’, the artwork was designed by two time Olympic and Commonwealth Games Boxer, Brad Hore.
Hore is a proud Dunghutti man from the Sunshine Coast, who was excited to unveil the artwork printed in large format with past and present Olympic and Paralympic athletes, ASC staff and the AIS Strength & Conditioning team who regularly provide support for athletes in this gym.
“I was in and out of the AIS a lot as an athlete, at which time there wasn't any artwork around, which made me feel a bit lost. Hopefully, this artwork will make athletes feel connected to country,” Hore said.
The piece was commissioned as part of the ASC's ongoing commitment to reconciliation, to develop something meaningful which showcases both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to become part of our identity and brand.
Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements explained how installing the artwork in the Strength & Conditioning Gym was to help all athletes and staff feel like they belong onsite.
“We want all athletes, coaches, and staff to feel like they belong when they are at the AIS. Belonging is a crucial part of creating psychological safety. We ask our athletes to achieve incredible things so it's important they have a place where they feel safe and connected,” Clements said.
Clements went on to explain the importance of connecting athletes and staff with our Indigenous history and culture.
“Representing our country is the ultimate honour and the ASC is proud to represent it all in entirety and continue to create meaningful connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, histories, communities, and cultures.”
Public and school groups accessing the gym as part of their tours will also benefit from the feeling of belonging viewing the unmissable artwork.
In addition to the Strength and Conditioning Gym, the artwork can now be found on a number of AIS fleet vehicles regularly transporting athletes and staff around Canberra.
Two buses and a luggage trailer feature ‘Kinship’ in different colourways and have been used in over 350 bookings since receiving the decals.
The vehicles are used by the ASC and national sporting organisations (NSOs) to transport athletes and staff all over Canberra and the surrounding region, exposing the artwork to an even wider audience beyond the AIS campus. It is expected that further vehicles will feature the artwork in future.
To find out more about the artwork, visit the ASC’s First Nation’s Artwork webpage.
