North Burnett Regional Council
Permanent Projection Sculpture Installation
RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre, Eidsvold Queensland
Launched March 2018, Runs Nightly
North Burnett Council set out to upgrade the RM Williams Centre in Eidsvold, Queensland. Illuminart were approached to design and install an interactive AV Booth inside the Centre and a Permanent Projection installation outside the Centre.
The outdoor permanent projection, was an Australian first… “The Language of the Land” is actually a sculpture, designed and installed by illuminart with motifs and designs that are visible during the day, and come to life with a nightly projection show.
In 2021, the installation won BEST LANDMARK SCULPTURE in the Australia Street Art Awards.
To find out where and when to see this beautiful light show and sculpture, see the friendly team at the RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre or call 1300 696 272.
The ‘Son et Lumiere’ show shares stories of RM Williams, local drovers, the friendship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous stockmen and anecdotes from past times through poetry, bush yarns and song.
Despite the hot and often humid climate, the projection system designed by illuminart, protects the equipment with full weatherproof control and protection systems, and automations to play the show every night. Illuminart can log into the installation remotely to monitor and make adjustments, and to update content, making this an extremely flexible attraction.
Illuminart filmed, directed and curated video of locals telling their stories and connections with RM Williams, which was compiled into two special productions. The show that is projected onto the sculpture nightly tells stories of the local characters, RM Williams and entertains with bush poetry and anecdotes from past times.
The video content along with other bespoke footage was also used for the Story Booth inside the centre, which is designed and built to authentically represent a bush hut from the local area. Inside is a large touch screen where visitors can select one of 10 local stories to watch and listen to.
North Burnett Regional Council promote the unique attractions to grey nomads who travel through their region, as well as to schools across Australia.
The Language of the Land Sculpture is a monument to people who live on and are connected to the land. The light and shade forms of the sculpture represent the many types of bush knowledge; explore the design and see if you can recognise all of them. The sculpture casts shadows during the day, and on special nights it is illuminated with projected stories, anecdotes and tales from Eidsvold locals.
On the lower sections you will discover bush trails, landforms, stone masonry, rivers and water holes. Among them animal prints and other treads are concealed. Those who know the language of the land will recognise tracks of the Emu, Kangaroo crouching and hopping, Lizard, Bullock and Horse. Hidden among them are three footprints representing the Wulli Wulli, Gurang and Wakka Wakka people’s ancient knowledge and cultural connection to the land, and on the very far right are the boot prints of a woman and man each wearing RM Williams’ famous heeled riding boots.
The outlines of two riders and packhorse pay homage to the drovers that RM Williams much admired and designed attire for. Above, topographical designs are combined with circular motifs that represent communities, stargazing and campfire gatherings. Such connections develop our sense of place and connection to country, and our appreciation of the natural landscape.
The night time campfire brings all travellers together to share stories, culture and the knowledge to respect and preserve our Australian bush heritage.
Audience Feedback
“It was fascinating – what a great venue & idea with the inclusive screens, the Aboriginal Art and the horse and men ”
“The screening on the sculpture was beautiful. The presentation was sensational.”
“Watched it twice didn’t want to leave”
“Very Genuine, Emotive, Aussie”
“Such a Surprise, so good!”
“Highly recommend anyone that comes to Eidsvold to watch this outdoor Theatre ”
“So Australian it makes you so proud of the pioneers. They had a tough life”
Mayor Rachel Chambers at the opening of the RM Williams Centre and spectacular light sculpture in March 2019.
The screening on the sculpture was beautiful. The presentation was sensational.
Visiting Guest.
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Project Team
- Cindi Drennan Director, Projector Artist
- Craig Laurendet Sculpture Architect and Projection Mapping
- Andy McIntyre Technical Production Manager
- Vent Thomas Business Manager
- Zero Shaw Videographer
- Andy Petrusevics Animator
- Rick Gitsham Construction
- Susanne Wegener Animator
- Stu Nankivell Graphic Art
- Aden Beaver Graphic Art
- Care Vaughan Graphic Art
- Danny Stanley Graphic Art
- Greg Bannon Narrator
- Michael Mills Character Voices
- Russell Plunkett Bush Poet "Attitude"
- Michelle Croner Singer / Songwriter "I Stepped Off"
- Richard Roth Bush Poet "Eulogy"
- Margaret McKenzie Bush Poet "The Letter"
- Robbie Radel Bush Poet "The Orphan"
- Roslyn and Lindsay Payne Winston Cattle Muster
- John Wragge Eidsvold Storyteller
- Robyn Williams Eidsvold Storyteller
- John Mossman Eidsvold Storyteller
- Clarrie Bayles Eidsvold Storyteller
- John Williams Eidsvold Storyteller
- Ned Neumann Eidsvold Storyteller
- Ron Bligh Eidsvold Storyteller
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Project Data
Project ID # 1128
Project Type: