Gurambai Magical Mangroves

Inspired by the local Gurambai (Rapid Creek) ecosystem, Gurambai Magical Mangroves is the theme of the artworks throughout the play-space.

The play-space, located at Jingili Water Gardens, is an all-abilities accessible space that includes integrated artworks created in partnership with Arts Access Darwin and the Free Space Studio collective, a program that supports and advocates for local artists with disability.

Gurambai Magical Mangroves (2019–2021) was created by the Free Space Studio collective, with designs inspired by the Rapid Creek mangrove habitat. Working with City of Darwin Arts Team and public art consultants Milne & Stonehouse, the artists’ designs were transformed into a suite of large-scale public artworks at Jingili Water Gardens. 

Meet the Artist

Guided by Creative Producer Amina McConvell from Arts Access Darwin, artists took part in workshops to develop the Gurambai Magical Mangroves designs. 
 
The Free Space Studio program, run by Arts Access Darwin, supports local artists with disability. It offers regular workshops, advocacy and professional opportunities, and has been operating for more than a decade. The program involves 18 artists. 
 
The Free Space artists behind Gurambai were Abigail Marangurra, Angelique Martin, Joanne Van Roden, Samantha Callaghan, Tara Darcy and Wendy Lamble. Their artworks brought the playground to life as part of the Jingili Water Gardens upgrade. 
 
Artist designs were woven into the playground shade cloth, the design of the new amenity and accessible change facility, and most strikingly, into the Green Ants Nest play space – an accessible two-pod structure at the centre of the playground, designed for creative and inclusive play.

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