Overview:
Palau High School Mural Celebrates Australia–Palau Cultural Connections
A new large-scale mural at Palau High School is bringing together Palauan and Australian First Nations artists in a celebration of culture, ocean connections, and shared environmental values. Supported by the Australian Embassy in Palau, the artwork titled “Two Nations. One Ocean” reflects the deep cultural ties between Australia and Pacific island communities through themes of land, sea, sky, leadership, and protection.
The mural is part of Australia now: Pacific edition, an Australian Government public diplomacy initiative highlighting Pacific voices, First Nations connections, and regional collaboration on climate change. Palauan artist Elsei Tellei of Tiuladokow Artwork and Australian Aboriginal artist Maddison Gibbs are combining their cultural perspectives to create a lasting symbol of friendship and connection between the two nations.
(July 22, 2026) The Australian Embassy is supporting a new large-scale mural at Palau High School as part of a vibrant program of cultural collaborations and events in Palau and across the Pacific region in 2026, to celebrate the deep connections between Australia and Pacific island countries.
The Australian Government’s flagship public diplomacy initiative – Australia now: Pacific edition – celebrates the rich cultural diversity of our region and will forge deeper connections grounded in mutual respect and shared heritage. Activities will be centred around three key themes: celebrating Pacific voices and partnerships; First Nations connections; and the shared challenge of climate change.
Australian Aboriginal artist Maddison Gibbs and Palauan artist Elsei Tellei (Tiuladokow Artwork) are collaborating on the new mural, Two nations. One ocean at Palau High School, with painting underway this week.
The design concept is a shared meditation on water, protection and leadership, bringing together deep cultural ties to land, sea, sky and community.
The artwork centres on the bai rising from an ocean backdrop – echoing the story of the first bai being found underwater and carried to land.
Responding through her own cultural lens as an artist of proud Gunu Baakandji heritage, Gibbs’ contribution reimagines eucalyptus leaves – central to First Nations’ cleansing ceremonies – as ripples moving across the water’s surface, an act of renewal.
The project highlights how the connections between Australian First Nations and Blue Pacific peoples continue to deepen and showcases Australia and Palau’s shared commitment to environmental protection.
Australia’s Ambassador to Palau, HE Mr Toby Sharpe said, “Australia now: Pacific edition is bringing together a wide range of creative talent across the region, and we are excited to deliver it in Palau. The mural at Palau High School will be a lasting symbol of the many and ever-growing connections between Palau and Australia, while celebrating the strength and diversity of our cultures. Elsei and Maddi’s collaborative expression of ‘connection’ will be striking, and we look forward to unveiling the finished artwork soon.”
For more information on the mural project and Australia now: Pacific edition follow facebook.com/AusEmbPalau and Instagram @AusEmbPW or visit pacificaustralianow.com
Australia now: Pacific edition trailer: Australia now Pacific
