Australia will be celebrating the spirit of innovation and history as one of the world’s oldest continuous civilisations at its Expo 2020 pavilion with the theme of Blue Sky Dreaming. 

 

Australia's natural wonder, innovative know-how and fascinating 60,000-year-old cultural history and diversity will be on the world’s stage alongside 191 participating nations during the six-month event. 

 

Located in the Mobility District, the pavilion standing 21 m tall, will be among the largest at the expo. From October 1 to March 31, 2022, it will showcase key trade, economic, export and education opportunities while celebrating the nation’s highly unique natural and cultural attractions. 

 

A key element of the pavilion's design is its roof, a gleaming white canopy inspired by the large fluffy white cumulus clouds that make up Australia’s iconic big blue skylines, said a top government official. 

 

"The large white cumulus cloud is a common feature of Australia’s expansive horizons and is a clear and a recognisable sign of good weather," Justin McGowan, Australia’s Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai.

 

"Agile and ever-changing, visitors to the Australian Pavilion will find the cloud central to their pavilion journey. By day, it provides cooling shade over the forecourt. At night, it comes alive with a dynamic display of light and sound designed to mimic the ancient and rugged landscape of Australia," he noted.   

 

"We are confident that the combination of the building and the breadth of the visitor experience will ensure that the Australian Pavilion is one of the highlights of Expo 2020 Dubai and a powerful representation of Australia on the world stage that we can all be proud of," he added. 

 

McGowan said the expo represents an exciting opportunity for Australia to play a leading role at what is being referred to as the ‘global business Olympics’. 

 

"Expo 2020 Dubai is an unmissable opportunity for Australia to build on existing relationships and identify new trade and investment opportunities. Global collaboration is integral to the world’s economic and social recovery. With 191 nations participating, Expo 2020 Dubai offers a gateway not only to the Middle East but to the whole world," he added.

 

Meaningful art touches all aspects of the pavilion, helping to replay the story of Australia’s vibrant and long-lived culture. Visitors go through three distinct sections – the Welcome Stories tunnel, the Star Dreaming planetarium-style experience and an immersive storytelling exhibition space dubbed Annika’s Journey- before reaching the open forecourt where visitors can come together to dine, reflect, and celebrate true Australian culture and hospitality.

 

"In developing the design for the Australian Pavilion, we wanted a venue that captured not only the Blue Sky Dreaming theme, but the welcoming spirit and relaxed, multicultural society for which Australia is renowned," remarked McGowan. 

 

"Brisbane-based architectural team bureau^proberts has designed a space which embodies the Australian spirit and persona; relaxed and laid back, yet dynamic, lively and courageous. The Australian Pavilion will be a place of gathering where everyone is welcome and will leave feeling inspired, having experienced a taste of what Australia has to offer the world," he stated. 

 

"Presenting an event on this scale is a truly collaborative undertaking. We are proud to be joined at Expo 2020 Dubai by all of Australia’s state and territory governments, as well as our many public and private sector partners," added McGowan. 

  

The Australian Pavilion enjoys strong support from the Commonwealth Government, along with all Australian states and territories and leading public and private sector organisations. 

 

The Victorian Government is a platinum partner, with major partners including the New South Wales Government and The Hermal Group, a diverse enterprise comprising several business interests and investments.-TradeArabia News Service