What did we learn from The Living Pavilion?

Last year, the University of Melbourne was transformed into a haven of biodiversity and Indigenous stories through the installation of over 40,000 Kulin Nation plants, plus artworks, gathering spaces and soundscapes.

While The Living Pavilion was primarily an Indigenous-led festival space, it was also a research project.  A series of studies were undertaken to investigate whether a temporary event space can successfully transfer knowledge and evoke a sense of Aboriginal belonging and sovereignty.

Surveys conducted over the course of the three-week event found that 84% of participants agreed, or strongly agreed that they felt more connected to Indigenous culture by visiting the event. The data also revealed there was a 40% increase in people’s perception of the site as an Aboriginal place.

More key takeaways are detailed in a new report, and for those of you who missed it or want to revisit the event, take a look at The Living Pavilion video. 

 Image: The Living Pavilion by Isabel Kimpton

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