A special edition pair of NBA 2k22 shoes with featured the bright and bold design of Gamilaroi and Wiradjuri artist Allan McKenzie.
The Adidas Harden Steoback 2.0 basketball shoes will be auctioned off in late February, with all the money donated to Indigenous charity, Red Dust.
A cause close to Mr McKenzie’s heart, the artists told NITV News he felt “honoured” to use his art to make a difference.
“I’m honoured that 2K asked me to collaborate on one of their most popular games, which drove most of the inspiration behind the design of the shoe - along with the game of basketball," he said.
Mr McKenzie said it was an incredible opportunity to showcase Aboriginal culture.
The shoes were a product of collaboration between Mr McKenzie, Red Dust and the global video game 2K Australia.The limited edition shoes will be auctioned off to support an Indigenous charity.
The limited edition shoes will be auctioned off to support an Indigenous charity. Image: Supplied.
Funds from the auction will support Red Dust to continue their mission of improving health outcomes of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Scott Stirling, CEO of Red Dust, said the funds will support them directly in their community development projects in remote communities throughout Australia, and help continue health promotion programs.
“Basketball is deeply embedded in Red Dust’s history, our founder was closely connected with the NBL, and our first visits to remote communities involved NBL star players as volunteers,” he said.
“Their efforts inspired hundreds of athletes to follow suit across 25 years, engaging in inspirational two-way exchanges with thousands of young Aboriginal kids in remote communities.”
Established in 2006, Red Dust has been working in remote Indigenous communities for 25-years.
"I've watched a lot of the work Red Dust has done, it's the first time I've done anything that goes to a charity of that sort but I thought it was an amazing opportunity to give back to remote communities and make sure the proceeds hit the ground," Mr McKenzie told NITV News.
Stepping out with these shoes, Mr McKenzie hopes he can inspire other Indigenous artists to share their art in new and exciting ways.
“The response has been phenomenal with a lot of positive feedback . . . I am really happy with how it turned out,” he said.
“I feel truly blessed."
The auction will be live on Red Dust’s eBay page at 12pm AEDT on 21 February 2022 and will run until 12pm AEDT on 2 March 2022.
