Identity: Yours, Mine, Ours
Unlike any other exhibition in an Australia museum, Identity: Yours, Mine, Ours 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 today. Focusing on the things that make up our sense of who we are – ethnicity, ancestry, language, spirituality and citizenship – the exhibition explores the many and varied identities that make up our nation. Featuring objects, immersive multimedia displays and a range of personal stories from Australians of widely diverse backgrounds, Identity will challenge visitors to examine their own assumptions and confront everyday prejudices about Australia’s multicultural society.
Date: From 11 May 2011
All About Me: autumn school holiday program
Delve into the past and explore your family’s cultural heritage at the Immigration Museum these autumn school holidays. Make your own unique family tree, pop out a cardboard suitcase and create a picture of all the things you would take with you if you had to leave Australia with your family today and make a set of babushka dolls.
Date: 9 to 26 April 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
Fighting for Equality: People with disabilities from ethnic backgrounds speak out
In 1981 the International Year of the Disabled Persons inspired carers and people with disabilities in Melbourne to create a unique service called ADEC. Its name stands for Advocacy Disability Ethnicity Community. Today it continues to empower people with disabilities from ethnic backgrounds, their carers and families to fully participate as members of the Victorian community. Fighting for Equality explores the challenges and experiences of people with disabilities from ethnic backgrounds, their carers and their families and offers hope and advice to others in similar situations.
Date: Until 2 May 2011
Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne. Open daily 10.00am to 5.00pm except Good Friday and Christmas Day. Admission: Adult $8, child/concession FREE. More info 13 11 02 or museumvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum