Identity: Yours, Mine, Ours
Is Australia really a tolerant nation? Unlike any other exhibition in an Australia museum, Identity boldly provides fresh and challenging insights into personal identity – who we are, how we perceive each other and what it means to belong or not belong in Australia. Taking as its starting point what the Immigration Museum is renowned for – telling the story of two centuries of migration to Australia – Identity explores multicultural Australia as it is today. Featuring a range of stories told through objects, photographs and immersive multimedia and developed with diverse communities across Victoria, Identity will challenge visitors to examine their own assumptions and prejudices about Australia’s multicultural society.
Date: From 17 March 2011
West African Festival
The Museum will come alive to the beat of West Africa at this cultural festival presented as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Music, dance and food are at the heart of the West African community. Meet this passionate community at the West African Festival, which will feature musicians and dancers as well as activities for the whole family. Cooking demonstrations and food stalls will showcase a selection of West African sweet and savoury delights.
Date: 11am – 4pm, Sunday 6 March 2011
West African Food and Wine Festival Evening
Come on a tasteful journey to West Africa at this Melbourne Food and Wine Festival evening. On arrival you will be welcomed with cocktails and for the following two hours indulge in traditional flavours of West Africa that will tantalise your tastebuds and leave you wanting more. Let the rhythmic drumming and flame throwing spectacular make your soul dance with joy.
Cost: $85 adults, $75 MV Members
Bookings: 13 11 02
Date: 6.30pm – 8.30pm, Thursday 10 March 2011
West Africa: Rhythm and Spirit
This exhibition explores the long-held traditional beliefs and cultural practices of contemporary West African society. Featuring over 200 objects, including colourful masks, intricately carved figures, musical instruments, beautifully decorative cloth and jewellery as well as photographs and film, this exhibition provides a window into the life of today’s West African cultures. West Africa: Rhythm and Spirit encompasses six major themes – kingship and authority, fertility, pattern and adornment, divination, masks and masquerades, and trade – which reflect the diversity and dynamism of this unique and fascinating region.
Date: Until 29 May 2011
Honouring our Ancestors: Remembering Timor Leste
This exhibition explores a ritual called Se Matebian, which takes place each year on All Souls Day and honours East Timorese ancestors. It looks at how the East Timorese community in Australia continue to practise this ritual today. Personal stories and reflections of people from the East Timorese community are shared and featured objects include a silver breast plate and head piece worn by elders during ceremonial peace, a silver jewellery box with an ancestral worship home on top, jewellery associated with ancestors, timber statues representing ancestors, hand woven baskets and East Timorese fabrics.
Date: Until 10 April 2011
Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne. Open daily 10.00am to 5.00pm. Admission: Adult $8, child/concession FREE. More info 13 11 02 or museumvictoria.com.au/immigration museum