We had the distinct honour of collaborating with First Nations artist Lucy Simpson to create a new work for the Jackson Bella Room at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.

The new work represents a profound connection to Country and the continuity of First Nations traditions. It is an artist-led response to the Jackson Bella Room commission, where Lucy Simpson’s vision shaped the space with an emphasis on cultural storytelling, respect, and deep connections to Country. Our approach to the project saw the blending of tradition ways of making and storytelling with contemporary materials and technology, resulting in an immersive and thought-provoking experience.

As part of this journey, we flew to Lightning Ridge where we spent three unforgettable days filming with Lucy and local Elders. These sessions captured powerful stories, cultural expressions, and connections to Country, which became the foundation of the work. As part of the digital work created for the space, a bespoke composition by artist and musician Nardi Simpson was created to accompany the visuals in the space.

Throughout the process, we provided comprehensive support, including fabrication, project coordination, video production, and hands-on making, ensuring Lucy’s creative vision was fully realised. The resulting installation is a deeply immersive experience that honours artist’s Lucy Simpson’s cultural storytelling while offering an engaging and educational encounter for the museum’s visitors.

This project exemplifies our commitment to fostering meaningful collaborations with artists, creating outcomes that are artistically significant, culturally resonant, and impactful. Working closely with Lucy, Nardi, and the Elders of Lightning Ridge has been an immense privilege, reinforcing the importance of shared respect, creativity, and connection in everything we do.