Laratinga Wetlands is an award winning environmental masterpiece situated in the heart of Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills.
“Laratinga is well known for its walking trails, picnic areas, birdlife and cultural trail, now it is home to four masterworks called the Batpiori Public Art Project,” said Mayor Ann Ferguson.
Batpiori means ‘Scattered Trees’ in the language of the Peramangk Peoples, traditional custodians of the area, and is derived by the density of the original vegetation of the site in Laratinga Wetlands, and as a sign of respect and of recognition to members of the ‘Stolen Generation’.
Mayor Ferguson said the aim of the project is to increase the participation and engagement of young artists to produce quality and valued artwork.
“Four beautiful panels have created a place of reflection and cultural importance for the Mount Barker Community in Laratinga Wetlands.”
The real credit for these masterworks belongs to local artist Matt Jonas and a crew of young Aboriginal artists whose creative learnings and shared journey have resulted in these rich portrayals of life and experience.
The project was the result of productive partnerships between Peramangk people, the Department of Education and Childhood Development, Country Arts SA, the Adelaide Hills Community Health Service and the District Council of Mount Barker.
