Queensland arts on show during National Reconciliation Week

30 May 2018

Stories about First Nation’s cultures and histories will be showcased across Queensland this week through arts events, talks, activities and exhibitions as we mark National Reconciliation Week.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said artists would convey powerful messages at an array of arts events across Queensland this week.

“National Reconciliation Week invites us to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and stories,” Minister Enoch said.

“And this is what is in store with various arts events this week, which will showcase this year’s theme and powerful message – Don’t Keep History a Mystery.

“One of the events is at The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich, which is presenting I’ve Been Working on the Railway – Stories and experiences of Torres Strait Islanders, Aboriginal people and Australian South Sea Islanders until 4 June. 

“This exhibition explores the railway stories of Aboriginal people, Torres Strait Islanders and Australian South Sea Islanders and their contribution to the development of rail.

“Townsville’s Museum of Tropical Queensland is presenting an exhibition acknowledging National Reconciliation Week and outlines the history and significance of 1967 Referendum and 1992 Mabo Decision.

“The touring exhibition Manggan - Gather, gathers, gathering, is on at Gympie Regional Gallery until 14 July. This exhibition is presented by Museums and Galleries Queensland and features contemporary artworks by 19 artists from Far North Queensland’s Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre.

“UMI Arts in Far North Queensland are also hosting National Reconciliation Week events this week.

“In Brisbane, audiences will be able to see the landmark theatre production, The Longest Minute, following its run in Cairns. This is a unique Queensland story about footy from Indigenous playwright Nadine McDonald-Dowd and Robert Kronk.”

Minister Enoch said the Oodgeroo Noonuccal Poetry Prize to recognise talented Indigenous poets opened on 28 May at www.queenslandpoetryfestival.com with the award announced in August as part of the 2018 Queensland Poetry Festival.

“Also coming up on Saturday, Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art will open the exhibition Tony Albert: Visible which profiles the work of Queensland Indigenous artist Tony Albert and runs until 7 October.

“Tony is one of Australia’s most exciting contemporary artists and tackles issues of race and representation through a mix of humour and poignancy.”

Ms Enoch said it was inspiring to have so much art on show as part of National Reconciliation Week.

“There are so many stories to be told through art, and showcasing these stories helps us send the strong message, and reiterate this year’s theme, ‘Don’t Keep History a Mystery’.”