Solid Lines Exhibition

Background: First Nations creatives often lack access to engage with design and commercial art spaces, despite the creative industries being one of the most significant and innovative new industries to emerge in global markets (UNCTAD, 2018; St John 2020). Moreover, Indigenous ‘designers’ remain largely under-represented and undervalued in design discourse and the marketplace (Martin 2021; St John & Akama, 2022). Contribution: Solid Lines is Australia’s first First-Nations led illustration agency dedicated to representing First Nations creatives. The corresponding exhibition, curated by Nicola St John and Emrhan Sultan, and opened by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Di Kerr is also Australia’s first to showcase First Nations commercial illustrators. Featuring the work of 12 creatives, it explores the intersection of creative outcomes and commercial spaces, showing how First Nations artists can be supported to participate within creative economies in ways that are meaningful to them. This exhibition is not only the first to represent First Nations commercial illustrators but also seeks to change the face of Australia’s design industry. Significance: The exhibition was funded by Creative Victoria and the Australia Council for the Arts. Its broader impacts of in relation to recognising and protecting First Nations contributions within design disciplines have received critical media coverage from The Conversation, Broadsheet, The Wire, The National Tribune, The Wire, 2SER and Koorie Radio. As well as commercial sales resulting from the exhibition, artists featured have received significant subsequent commissions: the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Hardie Grant Publishing, and Minister for Government Services Hon Bill Shorten MP. This signals an important step in prioritising First Nations leadership and cultural safety within the creative industries. It positions First Nations artists as commercial creatives, wanting to walk together in collaboration and knowledge sharing with industry.