To mark NAIDOC Week 2025, Quay Quarter Sydney partnered with aMBUSH Gallery to deliver a meaningful activation that celebrated First Nations culture through art, creativity, and community connection.

Curated and produced by aMBUSH Gallery (an initiative of W+D Management), the activation centred on the work of acclaimed photographic artist and NAIDOC Artist of the Year, A. Professor Wayne Quilliam. Known for his striking imagery and deep cultural storytelling, Quilliam’s work provided the foundation for a hands-on public art experience in the heart of Quay Quarter.

Guests were invited to select from a curated range of Quilliam’s photographic artworks, which were then screen printed onto tote bags by professional printmakers. Each participant left with a beautiful and meaningful keepsake—an expression of Indigenous culture they could carry with them.

More than just a creative activity, the activation sparked conversations around identity, connection to Country, and the power of cultural storytelling. The experience transformed the public realm into a space of learning and reflection, underscoring that placemaking is about more than just design—it’s about recognising and honouring the stories, people, and histories that give places meaning.

This memorable activation created a shared moment of creativity, conversation, and cultural celebration in the heart of Sydney.