Residents of Melbourne’s west, your entertainment schedule is about to get a boost. Set on the banks of the Maribyrnong River, Footscray Community Arts' new stage is on track to open next month – and it's a striking outdoor performance space that’s equal parts stage, gallery and cultural hub.
The name Lango, meaning ‘on the edge’ in Woi-Wurrung, nods to its dreamy riverside location, and to the bold, innovative spirit of Melbourne’s west. Gifted by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Annette Xiberras from her grandmother’s diary of preserved language, it’s a symbol of cultural preservation and connection to Country embedded in the heart of the project.
Backed by an $8.7 million state government investment, Lango represents a major cultural upgrade for the west, where the population is expected to grow by 60 per cent by 2041. Julia White, Chair of Footscray Community Arts, says it’s about continuity as much as creation, explaining that the “revitalised outdoor performance space” will ensure the venue remains “the home of live music, storytelling, and cultural practice in the west for the next 50 years”.
Designed by MGS Architects with landscaping by Simone Bliss Landscape Architects, the Lango Stage replaces the old bluestone amphitheatre with a triple-shell structure that’s as sculptural as it is functional. Each shell features patterns by First Nations artist Moorina Bonini, reflecting South Eastern Kulin Nations mark-making and Ancestors watching over performers – a modern echo of traditional star-lit ceremonies. Bonini says the design is “subtle yet strong, embodying the presence and significance of Sky Country and the Ancestors, deeply rooted in Aboriginal storytelling”.
But Lango isn’t just about the stage. A gently sloping, fully accessible pathway called One Path For All leads visitors from the galleries to the river, lined with salvaged bluestone from the old amphitheatre. The surrounding landscape is a carefully re-indigenised tapestry of native grasses, trees and rain gardens, while a custom fire bowl provides a dedicated space for First Nations storytelling and smoking ceremonies.
Footscray Community Arts is marking the launch with two free music events in January 2026, featuring neo-soul singer NOV KAIIT and DJ PGZ. It's a taste of the lively programming to come – from live music and theatre to markets and cultural ceremonies.
While unforeseen construction challenges added to costs, the venue is on track, with a final fundraising push aiming to raise $70,000 by the end of October. Local champions, including Katie Hall MP and Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks MP, have hailed Lango as a cultural anchor for the west, cementing Footscray’s reputation as Melbourne’s creative powerhouse.
You can learn more (and donate to support the project) over here.
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