OBSERVER: New stage for West
Footscray Community Arts announces Lango, a new, architecturally designed outdoor performance space opening in November.
The venue, designed by MGS Architects with landscaping by Simone Bliss Landscape Architects, will be a community-led space for live music, community events, creatively ambitious performances, markets, and cultural ceremonies.
This design announcement showcases the thoughtfully integrated artwork by Indigenous artist Moorina Bonini and reflects extensive consultation with Footscray Community Arts Indigenous Advisory Group, ensuring that cultural perspectives and connection to Country have been embedded throughout the space.
In Woi-Wurrung, Lango means “on the edge”—a powerful reference to both the space’s location on the banks of the Maribyrnong River in Footscray, and to the spirit of innovation that defines Melbourne’s western suburbs.
The word ‘Lango’ has been gifted by Wurundjeri Elder and Footscray Community Arts’ Indigenous Advisory Group member, Aunty Annette Xiberras.
Originally from a diary of language words preserved by to Aunty Annette’s grandmother, its use reflects an ongoing commitment to language preservation and cultural revital-isation – something Footscray Community Arts is honoured to be part of.
Realised through an $8.7m State Government investment, the precinct is a significant infrastructure upgrade for the west, where the population is expected to grow by 60 per cent by 2041. This landmark investment highlights the vibrant culture that has been growing with the support of Footscray Community Arts.
Julia White, Chair of the centre says: “Last year, we celebrated the 50-year anniversary of Footscray Community Arts. This represents an immense contribution to the arts in Victoria, and to our community.
“This year, we’re proud to continue this contribution with a revitalised outdoor performance space —ensuring we remain the home of live music, storytelling, and cultural practice in the west for the next 50 years.”
To mark the opening of Lango, Footscray Community Arts is throwing two free music events for the community, with the first to be held in January 2026.
The new stage features three overlapping shells, whose sculptural form is cloaked in patterns by First Nations artist, Moorina Bonini, that draw from South Eastern Kulin Nations mark-making representing ancestors watching over performers.
This connection mirrors historical practices, where ceremonies were once held under the stars, aligning with the locality of Place.
Daniel Santageli, CEO Artistic Director says, “The Lango Stage is a powerful expression of our commitment to a First Nations-first approach, guided by the leadership of Footscray Community Arts’ longstanding Indigenous Advisory Group throughout the design process.
“We’re proud to be embedding cultural knowledge and connection to Country into the heart of this space—most notably through commissioned artworks by artist Moorina Bonini and by re-indigenising the landscape with SBLA’s designs.”
Cheryl Threadgold