In a historic first, the Sydney Opera House will become a canvas for the artworks of Australian First Nations artist Gail Mabo and Kiwi artist Nikau Hindin.
It marks the first time Māori art will be projected on the iconic building, alongside the works of an Australian First Nations artist, uniting the cultural heritage of two First Nations this Christmas.
Hindin, from Hokianga, and Mabo, from Mer Island, are thrilled to be showcasing their cultures at one of Australia's most emblematic landmarks.
"I'm still trying to get my head around what that means," said Hindin.
The project, titled Badu Gili is a collaboration that celebrates the shared oceanic and celestial navigation heritage of both cultures.
"Just to be here with Nikau, you know that's my sister from across the water, so it's like us sharing our stories is golden," said Mabo.
Hindin said the theme centres around celestial mapping.
"Gail in her work is connected to the very same stars we see in Aotearoa and the very same stars we use to navigate and count time," Hindin explained. "It's a tool our ancestors used to location themselves with time and space - that was how Maui fished up the North Island and found our home."
"It might be water between us but its stories that bring us closer, and that's what I think the sails will do is bring those two cultures closer together," Mabo added.
Sydney Opera House Chief Customer Officer Jade McKellar shared her enthusiasm and said: "We're going to have not just Australia First Nations, but also First Nations stories from over in New Zealand".
The six-minute sensory experience begins at sunset and repeats five times nightly. It's also accessible online for those unable to witness it in person.
Hindin hoped the projection will instil pride in Māori people.
"I really hope that when our people see themselves reflected back at them that they feel really proud to be Māori and they are really proud of our beautiful culture and the power and strength of our knowledge systems to carry ourselves forward into the future."
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