Liyan-ngan Nyirrwa (Cultural Wellbeing Centre) by Nyamba Buru Yawuru and Mud Map Studio

Aboriginal Nation

Yawuru

Location

Broome, Western Australia

Client

Nyamba Buru Yawuru

Jury comment

This project is exceptional for its engagement in an open and, frankly, difficult discussion about how the notions of Country and strong cultural connection can remain in a highly altered landscape. Understanding what “liyan” (wellbeing) means to the local Yawuru community was the crux of a project that sensitively integrates story, people and place. Most importantly, this was achieved in a manner explicitly informed by Yawuru people in order to facilitate healing and reconciliation. The project is commended for its recognition of local artists, cultural advisors and Elders as paid experts in their field to design and construct the rich history of their proud community. The Liyan-ngan Nyirrwa Cultural Wellbeing Centre is a landscape that captures the essence of liyan in Yawuru life, from family, community and Country to culture, language and history.

Entrants Nyamba Buru Yawuru and Mud Map Studio Project team Nyamba Buru Yawuru; Mud Map Studio; Laird Tran Studio; UDLA; Bart Pigram; Martha Lee; Suzie Gilbert; Terricita Corpus; Lorraine Hunter; Michael Torres; Arnold Smith; Savannah Cox; Damien Lawford; Kirra Watson Photography Nyamba Buru Yawuru; Vanessa Margetts