Louisa Briggs Sculpture Commission

The Victorian Women's Public Art Program aims to address the underrepresentation of women and their achievements through enduring public artworks. Women are systematically underrepresented in public life, with their achievements and contributions historically overlooked. This is why ‘Our Equal State’, the Victorian Government’s gender equality strategy, prioritises elevating women’s achievements and supporting women artists through the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program.

A sculpture of Louisa Briggs was selected for funding through a public vote. 

For more information, visit: Victorian Women's Public Art Program

Details of the project’s full impact will be provided once the construction schedule is finalised.

The sculpture will stand as a prominent, iconic piece that invites visitors to explore the precinct and serves as a landmark.

In partnership with the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council, led by N'arwee’t Carolyn Briggs, a direct descendant of Louisa Briggs, the sculpture will celebrate her significant contributions to the Indigenous community and their history. The sculpture will serve as a powerful symbol of resilience, cultural heritage, and the ongoing fight for social justice, promoting gender equality and raising the profile of women in public spaces.

The artwork intends to commemorate and celebrate Louisa Briggs, a prominent figure in Victorian Aboriginal history, known for her tireless advocacy for the rights of her people and her contributions to the social and cultural fabric of Victoria. Born in the early 19th century, Louisa Briggs was a matriarch, nurse, midwife, and activist, whose life was marked by resilience, leadership, and a profound commitment to the welfare of her community.

The sculpture will symbolise Louisa Briggs' enduring legacy as a protector of her people's rights and a guardian of cultural traditions. It will highlight her significant contributions to the fight against the injustices faced by Aboriginal communities, particularly women and children. The artwork will be designed to reflect the strength, compassion, and wisdom that defined Louisa Briggs' life, serving as both a memorial and a source of inspiration for future generations.

This commemorative sculpture will not only celebrate Louisa Briggs as an individual but also honour the broader contributions of Aboriginal women to Victoria's history. It will provide a permanent and visible acknowledgment of their role in shaping the state's social and cultural landscape, challenging the historical underrepresentation of women, especially Indigenous women, in public art. Through this project, the City of Port Phillip and the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council will aim to foster greater recognition and appreciation of the diverse histories that constitute the heritage of Victoria.