By Daniel Brace
Nestled behind the Footscray Community Arts building, toward the Maribrynong river, a new architecturally designed outdoor stage is emerging from the construction site. Surrounded by landscaped gardens waiting to be planted out, Lango Stage is the West’s major new outdoor performance space.
Lango means ‘on the edge’ in Woi-Wurrung and the name has been gifted by Wurundjeri Elder and Footscray Community Arts’ Indigenous Advisory Group member, Aunty Annette Xiberras from a diary of language words preserved by Aunty Annette’s grandmother.
Named both for its location on the banks of the river but also a nod to the spirit of innovation that defines the arts in the West, Footscray Community Arts CEO and Artistic Director Daniel Santangeli is excited that the building and gardens are taking shape.
“It’s an incredible feeling to have released the designs for our new outdoor stage and revitalised gardens. We’re currently finishing construction of the stage canopy and planting the re-indigenised landscape,” says Daniel.
The State Government has provided $8.7 million for the outdoor space which will host live music, community events, performances, markets, and cultural ceremonies.
“Lango is a game changer for the local music and performance scene. It gives artists and audiences access to a purpose-built outdoor stage that celebrates local creativity and means we can expand our programs, support more artists, and host more events that bring people together,” says Daniel.
However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Unforeseen underground conditions early in the build has led to additional foundation work and increased construction costs. To bring the venue to completion and ensure it opens in full scope as planned, Footscray Community Arts has launched a fundraising campaign to raise $70,000 by the end of 2025.
“Over 230 community members have contributed over $40,000 so far. Any donation, big or small, will help us reach our target of $70,000,” says Daniel.
“We found a lot of savings to reduce costs but we refused to compromise on accessibility, re-Indigenisation of the landscape, equipment so it’s fully functional for artists, and durability of materials.”
“I’m honestly blown away by the generosity of our community in response to our fundraising campaign to complete the work.”
MGS Architects designed the buildings with landscaping by Simone Bliss Landscape Architects, and integrated artwork by Indigenous artist Moorina Bonini.
The new stage features three overlapping shells cloaked in patterns drawn from South Eastern Kulin Nations’ mark-making, representing Ancestors watching over performers.
A gently sloping accessible pathway lined with bluestone from the old amphitheatre runs from the galleries down to the stage and riverfront. The gardens are planted with native grasses, trees, and rain gardens designed to care for Country and support biodiversity. There is also a dedicated space for First Nations storytelling and smoking ceremonies.
To mark the opening of Lango, Footscray Community Arts is throwing a free music event on Saturday 31 January 2026 to celebrate the opening with a First-Nations line-up featuring NOV KAIT and DJ PGZ.
“Come by Footscray Community Arts and see the new Lango Stage as it continues to take shape. We can’t wait to celebrate the opening with you in 2026 with a free First Nations music line-up for the community.”
For more information, book or to make a donation to help finish the stage, go to footscrayarts.com
