Vaulting ahead

Originally built as shops in the 1890s, the Esplanade Vaults were bricked up in the 1970s following road widening. The highly visible site faces the foreshore and holds significant links for Traditional Owners.

Artist and Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Wemba Wemba man Tommy Day III has transformed the grey Vaults wall into a colourful and meaningful mural - Karrween Weereeng Marr (Dance of the Spirit People).

“Through my artistic lens, I paint the world as seen with an Aboriginal perspective, envisaging the spirits living in harmony with the people and animals. Seamlessly melding traditional and contemporary art forms, I provide a visual voice to acknowledge where we came from and moving towards a bright future,” he explains.

“This artwork presents a visual narrative of the harmonious convergence of the Weereeng Marr (Spirit People), whose ethereal presence dances across the landscape, shaping the very essence of our country and weaving intricate song lines carried by the wind. Forever timeless, the Weereeng Marr observe the world with eternal vigilance.”