Autex Acoustics x Willie Weston press release

Uniting First Nations designs with acoustic functionality 

Autex Acoustics^® x Willie Weston

 

Autex Acoustics have teamed up with Willie Weston to create a collection that contributes to fair and equitable income for First Nations artists

Naarm (Melbourne), Australia – In an industry first collaboration, Autex Acoustics^® have partnered with profit-for-purpose organisation, Willie Weston, to combine contemporary First Nations designs with high-performance acoustic solutions.

 

Comprised of eight designs by eight artists and spanning 21 colourways, the Autex Acoustics x Willie Weston collection has been curated for commercial, educational, and government spaces. Printed using safe, water-based UV ink onto Autex Acoustics’ flagship acoustic products Cube™ and Quietspace^® Panel, the collaboration enables specifiers to integrate First Nations designs into projects and achieve a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of up to 0.85.

 

Speaking of the impact of this collaboration, national development manager, Regan Williams, said, “Organisation-wide, we are immensely proud to promote the artists’ designs via the Willie Weston collaboration, bringing regular income to remote communities and continuing to push the limits of how acoustic treatments can tell a story whilst improving the aesthetics of a space.”

 

Integrating First Nations designs into the built environment is at the heart of Willie Weston, which has been translating First Nations art into products for commercial interiors since 2015. As a member of the Indigenous Art Code, Willie Weston works to preserve and promote ethical trade in First Nations art. Co-founder, Jessica Booth, believes it is essential for the spaces where we live and work to reflect the diverse output of First Nations artists, and for artists to be fairly remunerated for their work. “Willie Weston exists to provide meaningful income for artists. This collaboration enables us to grow the market for these designs, and to build on the financial returns made to the artists we’re so lucky to work with”.

 

The artists included in the collection hail from five regions across remote Australia: Peppimenarti (Northern Territory), Ampilatwatja (NT), Tiwi Islands (NT), Fitzroy Crossing (Western Australia), and Maningrida (NT). As well as being paid for each acoustic panel, artists also receive a share of Willie Weston’s net profits at the end of the year. This scalable fee structure provides artists with regular income streams outside of their main art practice. Co-founder, Laetitia Prunetti, says, “By working in this way, we aim to contribute to viable livelihoods in First Nations communities across Australia.”

 

With this project having such cultural importance and relevance to the Autex Acoustics team, they have launched internal cultural awareness training, explains Williams. “Working with Willie Weston has provided a great opportunity for our team to continue their journey and understanding of First Nations culture.”

 

View the collection here.

Louise Willis – Senior Marketing Coordinator – Autex Acoustics

 

louisew@autex.com.au

 

 

 

Jessica Booth – Director and Co-Founder – Willie Weston

 

jessica@willieweston.com