Reconciliation Accentuated Through Partnerships: Art Commissions & Talks
Why Commission Reconciliation Themed Art?
When commissioned with intention, reconciliation art is far more than decoration. It becomes a permanent cultural asset—embedded in place, experienced over time, and capable of carrying profound meaning without instruction.
The real challenge is finding a work worthy of installation that is backed by a powerful narrative and an enduring legacy—art that remains captivating for your clientele while remaining accessible. Mark Rusic’s reconciliation-themed art is a definitive contender for those seeking high-impact, world-class vision.
Mark: A Man with a Mission
Mark is an artist shaped by the Australian narrative. Shown here sketching on Country in a remote Indigenous community, Mark’s process is defined by direct engagement with both place and people. Observation, listening, and an extended, intentional time on Country inform the very soul of his work—shaping the line, the palette, and the restraint evident across all flagship commissions. This is art that emerges directly from the landscape, driven by an unwavering passion for the betterment of Indigenous people and a vision for a shared, prosperous future.
1. Flagship Partnership Work
Scale: Approx. 2.5m–3m | Investment: $25,000–$45,000
A major statement piece designed for lobbies, arrival spaces, or key public thresholds. These works explore the bridge between Indigenous leadership and historical allies, expressing reconciliation as an act of maturity, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
Executed in vibrant oil or acrylic, using expressive impasto and a disciplined, Van Gogh–inspired movement, each flagship commission is a site-specific, original work intended to anchor the cultural identity of your space.
[Sample Flagship Work in Progress: Lazarus]
Mark is shown here developing a study for a flagship work informed by a lived story from a remote community, utilizing authentic Burrumbah Jiga Jiga paint. In particular, the clouds in this study subtly resemble Van Gogh’s The Raising of Lazarus; a hint that a unified destiny of prosperity can be resurrected, despite that old, abandoned car wreck up front—a visceral representation of the damage done in the past.
2. Hope and Scope Series
Approx. 1.5m × 1.5m | $18,000–$25,000 per work
Works focused on Indigenous Country and remote community impressions that speak to restoration of identity, stewardship of land, and partnership‑led futures. Ideal for guest floors, lounges, and transition spaces.
These paintings use measured Van Gogh–like line work and Jiga Jiga–inspired colour fields, with restrained black and white accents to suggest unity and balance. Calming, non‑confrontational, and scalable across a property.
[Hope and Scope Series example]
Caption: Example from the Hope and Scope Series, drawing on Indigenous Country, Indigenous elder presents ideas as co-designer, partner at round table, as white man listens.
3. Supporting & Satellite Works
Approx. 1.5m × 1m | $8,000–$12,000 per work
Smaller commissioned works designed to echo the flagship or Hope and Scope narrative across additional spaces or multiple sites. These pieces maintain visual and thematic coherence while allowing flexibility in scale and placement.
Often used to extend reconciliation presence throughout a building without repetition or dilution.
Commissioning Approach
Each artwork is:
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original and created specifically for the site
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informed by Indigenous perspectives and partnership narratives
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professionally finished for public and hospitality environments
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delivered with optional interpretive text suitable for RAP reporting
The process avoids templates and tokenism, prioritising dialogue, respect, and long‑term relevance.
Alignment and Governance
These commissions support:
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Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP): visible, credible engagement
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Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP): values‑aligned supplier relationships
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ESG frameworks: social and governance pillars through evidence‑based action
For organisations engaging with government or institutional clients, such works quietly reinforce cultural capability and leadership.
Next Steps
Organisations are invited to:
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Identify the intended space and audience
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Select the commission tier most suited to their RAP objectives
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Initiate a confidential discussion to shape the narrative and scope
📩 Enquiries: info@iconiccolours.com
Commissioned reconciliation art is not about statements — it is about embedding partnership into the fabric of a place.
Mark Live Painting at the Melbourne Exhibition Civic Centre, First Nation Business Exhibition, as the Jiga Jiga Paint Ambassador
RAP painting and vision casting
Keynote Speaker: Mark Rusic
Mark is more than an artist; he is a bridge-builder. Drawing on deep, lived experience within remote communities, Mark guides organizations through the shift from passive tokenism to active, informed identification with First Nations peoples. His talks challenge the status quo, offering the wisdom gained from years of on-Country engagement to foster a vision of true national unity.
In the spirit of Closing the Gap and the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP), Mark’s keynotes provide the missing human element in corporate reconciliation strategies, while grounding the conversation in the practicalities of business and enterprise engagement.
In the spirit of Closing the Gap and Indigenous Procurement.
🗣️ Talk Title: RAP Recalibrated – Reconciliation Accentuated through Partnerships
A dynamic, engaging session designed to help organisations move beyond compliance and into meaningful collaboration with First Nations people.
Talk Outline (1-Hour Format):
1️⃣ Partnerships Are Possible and Purposeful
Discover key historical moments and federal policies that empower businesses to partner with Indigenous enterprises.
🕒 20 minutes
2️⃣ Real-World Examples of Joint Ventures
Hear inspiring stories and learnings from successful partnerships between First Nations businesses and major corporations.
🕒 20 minutes
3️⃣ Q&A and What You Can Do Next
Ask questions, explore next steps, and receive a complimentary artwork created using Jiga Jiga paints.
🕒 20 minutes
✨ Optional Add-On: Reflective Workshop (Extra 30 Minutes)
Choose one of the following immersive experiences to deepen cultural connection and reflection:
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🎨 Sketch Like Van Gogh – A guided art session using First Nations-inspired linework and Jiga Jiga paints
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📖 Reflective Author Talk – A storytelling session that explores the power of collaboration with Traditional Owners
📅 Make a Booking Today
Book your session
Choose the 1-hour RAP Recalibrated Talk, or extend to 1.5 hours by adding a workshop.
Let us know your estimated attendee numbers.
✅ 1. Talk Pricing
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From $1,500 per 1-hour session
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Add reflective workshop: +$500
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Travel fees may apply outside Melbourne CBD
✅ 2. Choose your time slot
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Learn @ Lunchtime
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Build during Brunch
✅ 3. Select your RAP Art Theme
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Choose from a pre-designed RAP artwork template that will be tailored to your need. (Art templates sent on request)
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Or commission a customised artwork to suit your RAP story or office space (price on consultation)