Australian Museum showcases culture of First Nations people in events and exhibition

The cultures of First Nations peoples will be showcased by The Australian Museum in a new series of talks, tours, and workshops to accompany its ground breaking First Nations led exhibition, Unsettled. Running from 22nd May to 10th October, this series will provide a deeper understanding of the powerful Unsettled exhibition which reveals Australia's foundation story including First Nations resilience and survival through historical documents, objects and artworks.

Australian Museum Director and Chief Executive Kim McKay said the series will allow visitors to engage, hear, and learn from First Nations leaders and cultural practitioners directly.

“The Museum is committed to being a strong advocate for First Nations’ cultures, and this new series of exciting, creative, and participatory events is no exception.

“These events will continue the work of Unsettled by digging even deeper into the important themes and stories shared in the exhibition. We hope visitors leave with a greater understanding of the lived experience of First Nations peoples, appreciation for cultural traditions, and awareness of the legacies left for our nation.”

Spanning tours, talks, films, workshops, weaving, and much more, the series includes:

Unsettled Opening Weekend — The weekend's huge program is bursting with free and ticketed events that will give visitors a deeper understanding of the traditions and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Throughout the two days, Gahdungal Murrin Dancers will be performing in Hintze Hall and the team from Ngumpie Weaving will hold an open workshop for all to join.

Two free curator events in store during Opening Weekend include: Contested Possession: In Conversation with Elder Waubin Richard Aken and Dr Mariko Smith on Saturday, and the Curator’s Address with Dr Mariko Smith on Sunday – both at 11am.

Unsettled Exhibition Tours — As a First Nations-curated exhibition, Unsettled provides visitors direct access to the experiences of First Nations people.  Add to your Unsettled experience through a tour with our knowledgeable First Nations guides, as they illuminate the meaning of key exhibition objects and offer a deeper understanding of how we can truly settle this nation.

Breakfast with a Curator — Join Dr Mariko Smith, curator of Unsettled, for an exclusive tour of the exhibition before the AM opens to the public. Delve into the process of developing an exhibition, including the ground breaking research and extensive consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that informed Unsettled. The tour is followed by a light breakfast made with Indigenous ingredients.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Unsettled Program Series

When: Saturday, 22nd May - Saturday, 10th October 2021

Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

For more information on the series of events and to book tickets, visit: australian.museum/event/unsettled-programs/

Image: Aboriginal cultural practitioners Milan Dhiiyaan. Credit Colleen Ara Palka Raven Strangways