The Wurundjeri Seasons Video Art Commissions

Step into the rhythm of Country and discover the story of the seasons, through a new series of video artworks by emerging First Nations artists.

Each evening throughout the year, learn about the current Wurundjeri season by watching one of a series of video artworks on the Big Screen.

The Wurundjeri Seasons Video Art Commissions celebrates the living knowledge of the Wurundjeri People and the seven seasons of Naarm (Melbourne). Rather than being date or calendar-driven, these seasons change depending on what is going on in the environment. The seasons express the deep relationships between people, plants, animals and Country – a cultural calendar shaped by thousands of years of observation and care.

Throughout the year, each season is brought to life through contemporary First Nations art and the Woi Wurrung language. Created by emerging First Nations artists and mentored by artists from Little Projector Company, the works honour the enduring stories, practices and spirit of Country, transforming the city’s central gathering place into a site of cultural expression and connection with the living world.

Cultural direction for the program is provided by Wurundjeri woman Jacqui Wandin of the Wandoon Estate Aboriginal Corporation at Coranderrk.

The Wurundjeri Seasons

“The seasons signify change. During Biderap (high summer), the sun is much hotter, snakes are about so be mindful where you step. Luk (late summer) is a time to rejuvenate, reflect, and learn. My favourite time of year is Guling (early spring), when the Silver Wattles are in full bloom, reminding us of Uncle Barak, our courageous civil rights hero.”

— Wurundjeri woman Jacqui Wandin

Unlike the four European seasons, the Wurundjeri seasonal calendar recognises seven distinct seasons, each marked by changes in the natural world. This cycle offers a deeper and more attentive way of understanding time — inviting us to notice the rhythms of plants, animals, weather, and Country, and our place within it.

The Seven Wurundjeri Seasons

Biderap (Dry season)
Jan–Feb
Amanda Wright (Palawa)

Iuk (Eel) season
March
Mya Wilson (Wiradjuri)

Waring (wombat)
April–July
SKNOW (Sarah Condon) (Wurundjeri) & Rob Condon (Dja Dja Wurrung, Nguari Illum Wurrung)

Guling (orchid)
August
Sarah Wandin (Wurundjeri)

Poorneet (tadpole)
Sept–Oct
SKNOW (Sarah Condon)(Wurundjeri)

Buath Garru (Grass flowering)
November
Ky-ya Nicholson Ward (Wiradjuri)

Gunyang (Kangaroo-Apple Season)
December
Jacqui Wandin, Dave Wandin (Wurundjeri) and Lee Ramseyer Bache

The Wurundjeri Seasons Video Art Commissions is presented by Fed Square.