Designs for a new ACT Coat of Arms created by students at the University of Canberra’s (UC) Mura Gadi Gallery are on display this month.
Initiated by the Chief Minister and supported by his Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (CMTEDD), the works follow the Standing Committee on Environment and Transport and City Services’ 2018 Inquiry into a Territory Coat of Arms which found the ACT’s current Coat of Arms wasn’t representative of its contemporary community.
Director of the Centre for Creative and Cultural Research at UC, Tracy Ireland said UC had partnered with the Directorate to encourage students and community members to submit their ideas for the Territory’s new symbol.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our design students to potentially create something that could represent our community into the future,” Professor Ireland said.
“From the conversations that have been had, it’s clear the Canberra community feel strongly about modernising our symbol,” she said.
“Government and community groups have created an open design brief for the Coat of Arms and are seeking submissions from the public, which could include traditional heraldic designs or more modern emblems and insignia.”
Professor Ireland said the visual designs, created by UC Bachelor of Design and Master of Arts students, were on display at the Mura Gadi Gallery and online until 20 July.
The Director said the 80 students that worked on the designs had been encouraged to use the official emblems of the ACT; symbols used by traditional owners in Ngunnawal culture; and the Territory’s unique natural elements.
Further information on the exhibition, and to view it online, can be accessed at this PS News link.
