Ways to incorporate Indigenous artefacts, art and culture into the workplace

This Reconciliation Week is a fitting time to reflect upon how we can meaningfully incorporate Indigenous art, artefacts and history into our workplaces. This can prompt reflection, awareness of cultural practices and a connection to the Country we are on. We can also learn from and support Indigenous artists and makers by directly procuring from them and proudly displaying their work in the office.

Artefacts

Displaying artefacts is a tangible way to connect with Indigenous culture and art in the workplace. Artefacts and tools tell ancient stories that are insights into Indigenous history and culture.

In the book ‘Design: Building on Country’ by Alison Page and Paul Memmot, Page wrote: “to map the origin of the Australian design tradition is to track the oldest artefacts found on this continent, which are getting older the deeper we dig. What we uncover is an insight not just into the life of Indigenous people and their material culture but into their design practice”.

Some examples of artefacts on display in Sheldon’s office include: boomerangs, woomeras (spear throwers), and coolamons (handcrafted vessels).

Peter Law, Director of Sheldon, said: “In other parts of the world, homes are often designed and decorated with traditional artefacts. Everyone can consider introducing Indigenous elements into the workplace that aren’t exclusively paintings. I would like to see buildings that have incorporated Indigenous artefacts.”

Artwork

Commissioning an original artwork is a way to engage with and support local artists. This can mark a significant occasion such as the launch of a Reconciliation Action Plan or an updated RAP. In 2023, Sheldon commissioned the below artwork by Kerrie Kenton – a Wangal knowledge holder of the Darug and Dunghutti Nations, who holds many commissions and public art to her name across Sydney. This artwork is about people and place, community, unity of two ways of together, evolving, strength, diversity and respect.

Sheldon’s design team incorporates Indigenous art into many of our workplace projects including speculative suites, showing prospective tenants how the art visually enhances the workplace and provides a meaningful connection to Indigenous culture.

Acknowledgement of Country and Map of Country

An important factor in the office is knowing and acknowledging the Country people come to work on. This can be written on a plaque or wall decal near the entrance.

The AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia is an excellent resource that can be displayed. This can familiarise staff with the Country you are on as well as all other areas of Australia.

Lighting

Lighting is an essential functional and design feature of any workplace, making it a great opportunity to incorporate the work of Indigenous artists. These hand-woven pendant lights in Sheldon’s office are from Koskela’s First Nations Woven Lighting collection and form a striking centrepiece of our kitchen breakout space.

Naming places as a means of recognition

We’ve seen an increase in recent years of workplaces incorporating Indigenous place names by naming rooms in the office after Indigenous places. This provides an acknowledgement of local places, as seen in Sheldon’s meeting room Cammeraygal, the land we work on.

Other means of procurement

Alongside art and artefacts, there are a multitude of ways that workplaces can support Indigenous businesses or individuals through procurement practices. These can include hospitality and events, office supplies and printing, facilities management, graphic design and IT services. Supply Nation’s database of Indigenous businesses is an excellent resource for finding the right service.

It is important that when procuring Indigenous items for the office to understand their story and purpose, following the guidance of Indigenous people and elders to ensure that reconciliation directly supports Indigenous communities.