About this place
What to expect
Immerse yourself in Western Australia's shared cultural history at Onward! Onward!, a compelling, site-specific public art installation located in the heart of Perth's Cathedral Square. Created by renowned local artist Marcus Canning, this thought-provoking piece invites visitors to look down and connect deeply with the land's First Peoples. The artwork features 256 granite pavers seamlessly integrated into the public plaza. Each paver is intricately etched with English and Noongar words and phrases, gently encouraging reflection, conversation, and cultural awareness as you stroll through the precinct. Canning, whose own family heritage includes his great-great-uncle and famed WA surveyor Alfred Canning, designed the piece to playfully yet profoundly contrast colonial mapping with enduring Indigenous language. It stands as a subtle, powerful celebration of cultural resilience. Centrally located between St Georges Terrace and Hay Street, this open-air exhibition is completely free to access and open 24/7. It serves as a perfect cultural stop during a walking tour of the Perth CBD.