First Nations Ngali Launches New Creative Studio at Melbourne Quarter
Ngali has just announced its latest venture, Ngali Miya, the creative studio, located at the Melbourne Quarter precinct on Gunpowder Walk. Ngali Miya will showcase Ngali fashion collections, together with various First Nations artwork and designs. The space will also host events with a number of functions and workshops slated for the coming months.
This is the second venture for the acclaimed First Nations fashion label, with Ngali’s eponymous retail store having opened within the Melbourne Quarter precinct, at 24 Aurora Lane, in late 2022.
To celebrate the opening of Ngali Miya, a free, ticketed event will be held at Two Melbourne Quarter, Spaces and inside the new creative studio, featuring a guest appearance by Maurice Rioli Junior of the Richmond Football Club. The event will take place on Tuesday 23 April from 2pm and will showcase the debut of the new Richmond Football guernsey, designed by Rioli and his mother, Tiwi Elder and artist Alberta Kerinauia. 2024 marks the first year that Richmond’s AFL, AFLW, VFL and VFLW teams will wear the same design across all four teams.
Attendees can expect an immersive experience with the chance to meet Maurice, have memorabilia or personal items signed and enjoy catering by local Melbourne Quarter Paninoteca, Saluministi. All guests will go into a draw to win two tickets to an upcoming Richmond Football game.
Denni Francisco, Founder/Designer of Ngali, comments: “Our brand new creative studio embodies our commitment to spotlighting the remarkable talent of First Nations artists. Our vision is to cultivate a space that not only celebrates their creativity but also fosters community engagement through events, workshops, and storytelling sessions.
“Ngali translates to ‘us’ or ‘we’ in a number of First Nations languages and symbolises our ethos of inclusivity and collaboration. The creative studio will showcase a variety of First Nations artists' work, and encourage collaboration in many different forms.”
In the spirit of collaboration, Ngali works together with emerging, inspiring and gifted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists who translate that art into easy wear and eco-conscious clothing and collectibles.
Christopher Munn, Project Director, Melbourne Quarter, comments: “The celebration of First Nations culture, stories and business excellence is an important foundation of the Melbourne Quarter precinct.
“The opening of the new creative studio extends the presence of Ngali into the centre of the precinct,and offers the community further opportunity to connect with and celebrate First Nations culture.”
Ngali Miya will be open from 11am to 3pm, Tuesday – Thursday. The Ngali retail store can also be found within the precinct, located at 24 Aurora Lane, Melbourne Quarter and open from Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.
Melbourne Quarter is a progressive commercial, residential and retail urban neighbourhood in the heart of Melbourne where creativity thrives, green public spaces are continuing to grow, and great food is only the beginning. The precinct is situated between two of Melbourne's most iconic streets, Flinders and Collins, and directly across the street from Southern Cross Station.