Swinburne launches face mask range with bespoke Indigenous designs

The new designs tell the story of how lockdown has affected the way we communicate with others and the stages Victorians have gone through to keep each other safe.
In summary
- Swinburne has launched a limited edition collection of reusable face masks in bespoke Indigenous designs that are available for pre-order now
- Student and Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi artist Katie Bugden’s designs tell a story of how lockdown has affected Victorians
- Each purchase supports Swinburne Indigenous Bursaries, allowing Indigenous students to purchase educational support materials
Swinburne has launched a limited edition collection of premium quality, reusable face masks in three bespoke Indigenous designs, created by student and artist Katie Bugden.
Each purchase of a three-pack of masks supports Swinburne Indigenous Bursaries. This will assist commencing Indigenous students to purchase materials, technology and other items to ensure they have everything they need for study to reach their full potential.
The launch of the new Indigenous design face masks follows on from the original range of Swinburne face masks showcasing campus-inspired designs.
The new range of masks are available to pre-order from today, as part of NAIDOC Week, with stock available from late November.
Each design tells a story
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) student and Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi artist, Katie Bugden donated her time and talent to create the designs for the face masks.
Katie’s goals in creating the art for the masks were to ‘encourage people to keep safe’ and support Indigenous education.
“When Swinburne told me a portion of sales were going to Indigenous scholarships, I was even more invested knowing I could help my brothers, sisters, cousins, aunties and uncles out,” she says.
Katie’s designs tell a story of how lockdown has affected the way we communicate with others and the emotional stages Victorians have gone through to keep each other safe.
“I love telling stories and creating the art for these masks allowed me to tell a story that many people can relate to as we have all shared the same experience in Melbourne,” says Katie.
Katie’s first design tells the story of our community as we struggled to adjust to our new lives in lockdown.
“Finding new ways to communicate with one another was a twisting journey of new technology and compromise, but we made it work,” says Katie.

Design one
The second design represents how our community settled into the new way of life, but did not let the lockdown restrict us.
“Instead of spending Friday nights alone, we found new ways to spend time together, like Friday night video trivia.”

Design two
The third design represents the ‘new normal’ that we flourished in.
“We cherish our time outside, we realise how much time spent with our friends and family truly means to us. We found new ways to stay connected, but most importantly; we have kept each other safe,” says Katie.

Design three
Each individual mask comes with a card that explains the story behind the design.
The first two mask designs also follow Swinburne psychology research about the importance of creating a positive perception of the wearer. This is done through using designs that evoke positive associations, and also incorporating elements, such as the asymmetrical pattern, which draw the gaze to visible parts of the face.
The limited edition face masks are now available to pre-order for $35 RRP via the Razor online store.
More of Katie's artwork can be found on Instagram: @KatieBugden_Art

The new special limited edition Indigenous design face masks come in a pack of three, and are 3-layer washable, reusable and made to DHHS recommendations.
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