Footscray Community Arts has unveiled Lango, a major new architectural addition to Melbourne’s west set to open in November 2025.
Designed by MGS Architects with landscaping by Simone Bliss Landscape Architects (SBLA), the venue will serve as a dynamic outdoor performance space for live music, community events, markets, cultural ceremonies, and creatively ambitious performances.
In Woi‑Wurrung, Lango means “on the edge” — a phrase that references both its riverside setting along the Maribyrnong River and the spirit of innovation driving Melbourne’s western suburbs.
The word was gifted by Wurundjeri Elder and Footscray Community Arts’ Indigenous Advisory Group member, Aunty Annette Xiberras.
Drawn from a diary of language words preserved by her grandmother, “Lango” embodies an ongoing commitment to language preservation and cultural revitalisation — a principle Footscray Community Arts has long championed.
The $8.7 million redevelopment, supported by the Victorian government, represents a significant renewal for the precinct as the local population is projected to grow by 60 per cent by 2041.
The project underscores the area’s cultural vibrancy and Footscray Community Arts’ enduring influence as a creative hub.
Julia White, Chair of Footscray Community Arts, said: “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 celebrate the new space, Footscray Community Arts will host two free community music events, beginning with a concert on 31 January 2026 featuring neo‑soul artist NOV KAIIT and DJ PGZ.
At the heart of the redevelopment, the Lango Stage replaces the site’s much‑loved but ageing bluestone amphitheatre with a three‑shell structure adorned in artistry by First Nations artist Moorina Bonini.
The patterns, inspired by South Eastern Kulin Nations’ mark‑making, symbolise Ancestors watching over performers — an homage to ceremony and place.
“Delivering a richly layered project like Footscray Community Arts in a community that we have also lived and breathed in over many years adds an extra layer of significance for both Simone (Bliss) and I,” said Joshua Wheeler, Director, MGS Architects.
Moorina Bonini, a proud descendant of the Yorta Yorta Dhulunyagen family clan of Ulupna and the Yorta Yorta, Wurundjeri, and Wiradjuri Briggs/McCrae family, added: “The design is subtle yet strong, embodying the presence and significance of Sky Country and the Ancestors, deeply rooted in Aboriginal storytelling.”
The landscape reimagines accessibility and symbolism, with a gently sloping pathway known as ‘One Path for All’ connecting the galleries to the stage and riverfront.
Salvaged bluestone links the precinct’s history, while reindigenised gardens, native plantings, and a custom fire bowl — created by Bonini with Waterside Metal Art — weave Country into the design.
Daniel Santageli, CEO Artistic Director, said: “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.”
Despite construction challenges from unforeseen underground conditions, the venue remains on track, with a community fundraising campaign aiming to raise $70,000 by October 2025 to complete the project.
Member for Footscray and Parliamentary Secretary for Creative Industries Katie Hall MP said: “Footscray Community Arts’ Lango will cement Footscray as the arts and culture capital of Melbourne’s west. I am proud to have secured $8.7 million to make this project happen.”
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks MP added: “Lango will be a stunning addition to Footscray Community Arts and incredible outdoor performance space for the communities of Melbourne’s west.”
