Macquarie Street East Precinct First Nations Public Art Plan and Curatorial Strategy

Helen Anu belongs to the Samu and Suy-Baydham Clans of Saibai Island, and familial connections to Mabuyag Island, Zenadth Kes. She is a passionate cultural practitioner with more than 30 years’ experience working across the cultural sector.

Helen’s curatorial practice and community engagement approaches have been recognised through both international and national awards. In 2019, she was awarded International Project of the Year for Gapu-Monuk Saltwater—Journey to Sea Country, recognising excellence in cultural practice, community engagement and collaboration. In 2018, she received the award for Best Scenography for a Temporary Exhibition.

In 2021, Helen was recognised at the MAGNA Awards as a Level 2 Winner for Best Indigenous Project for Mariw Minaral (Spiritual Patterns). With more than 25 years’ experience as a radio broadcaster and producer, Helen has also been recognised through both CBAA and Yabun Awards.

Helen is currently Curator, First Nations at Powerhouse Museum, where she continues to bring her extensive cultural knowledge, curatorial experience and community-centred practice to the development and presentation of First Nations stories and perspectives.

Kyra is a Malera Bandjalan and Mitakoodi women.  She is also a curator/artist  with Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative Ltd. Kyra is an advocate for the rights of Aboriginal people’s in particular Aboriginal Self- Determination through the arts and cultural sectors. Kyra has extensive knowledge around cultural protocols and traditional practices passed down through her family’s bloodlines.

Matt Poll leads Indigenous Programs at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Drawing on museum and contemporary art experience, his curatorial and public art facilitation work with Liminal Placemaking, embeds First Nations consultation, co-curation, and cultural agency across national exhibitions and international museum working groups.