Casula Powerhouse Liverpool closes briefly for Koori Floor restoration

The Koori Floor, a stunning public art project covering 600 sqm of the Turbine Hall at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC), is being restored 26 years after it was first installed.

Due to the location of the artwork, the restoration requires CPAC to close to the public from 28 September to 16 November.

Bellbird Dining & Bar will also close.

“While we regret any inconvenience because of this brief closure, we are so happy this beautiful work will be restored for future generations to enjoy,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.

“Given the increasing volume of foot traffic since the Koori Floor was first created in 1994, the need for restoration and conservation has become ever more urgent.

“The Koori Floor is an internationally significant and unique work of public art and its preservation is a demonstration of CPAC and Liverpool City Council’s commitment to Indigenous and public art.”

The Koori Floor was created by Brisbane-based Waanyi artist Judy Watson who worked with contemporary Aboriginal artists to engage with the aspirations, values and stories of Aboriginal people from Liverpool and across the region.

Watson's assistant artists Gordon Hookey, Cheryl Robinson, Vivian Scott and Brook Andrew have since gone on to enjoy individual international acclaim, with Andrew now the artistic director of the Biennale of Sydney.

CPAC Director Craig Donarski said the Koori Floor was created as a key artwork for the building.

“It was intended as a statement of historical fact both symbolically and physically, that as you entered the Casula Powerhouse, you were walking ‘lightly’ on Aboriginal land,” Mr Donarski said.

“So it is meant to be permanent, and this restoration and conservation work will ensure it is.”

While CPAC may be about to close physically, the venue’s extensive Digital Program is still available for all to enjoy.

CPAC also recently launched an online gallery of hundreds of collection highlights including more than 100 works from the late Casula-based artist Gina Sinovich.

Find out more: casulapowerhouse.com