Media releases
View current and recent media releases from the State Library. For more information about any of these stories or about earlier releases, please contact Marketing and Communications on +61 7 3842 9847 or by email to marketing@slq.qld.gov.au.
28 Aug 2012
Transforming the legacy of Tindale
Transforming the legacy of Tindale
Powerful portraits by Queensland artist Vernon Ah Kee capture the people behind the work of anthropologist Norman Tindale in a new exhibition at the State Library of Queensland.
State Librarian Janette Wright said Transforming Tindale [6 September – 9 December] combines Vernon Ah Kee’s work with photographs collected by Norman Tindale in the 1930s.
“Vernon Ah Kee has created evocative artworks to capture the unique personalities of his family members behind the scientific images,” Ms Wright said.
“Norman Tindale recorded vast amounts of genealogical information about Indigenous communities from all over Australia with more than 50 000 Indigenous people included in the genealogies, as well as thousands of named photographic portraits."
“This collection, held by the South Australian Museum, can be accessed through the State Library of Queensland through an online index and is an important resource in family history searches."
“However, it is also a source of contention surrounding the treatment of Aboriginal Australians,” Ms Wright said.
“The exhibition will contain large-scale photographs from the Tindale collection as well as Vernon’s sketch-based contemporary artworks."
“Vernon Ah Kee’s artworks create new meaning, transforming understanding of the treatment of Aboriginal people."
“The result is a stimulating journey into the collection, what it means to Aboriginal people and its place in our state’s history.”
A program of events will also be held during the exhibition including talks presented with Brisbane Writers Festival.
Visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on for more information about the Tindale collection, the full Transforming Tindale program of events and details about the exhibition, including learning notes for educators.
Transforming Tindale
Open daily 10am–5pm, 6 Sep – 9 Dec 2012
SLQ Gallery, level 2, State Library of Queensland
Free
Media enquiries: Amanda Edwards, SLQ Communications
07 3842 9803 | amanda.edwards@slq.qld.gov.au
28 Aug 2012
Winner announced for the 2012 State Library Young Writers Award
Winner announced for the 2012 State Library Young Writers Award
Rebecca Jessen has been awarded the prestigious State Library of Queensland Young Writers Award 2012 for her short story Gap, announced State Librarian Janette Wright today.
“As we celebrate the National Year of Reading, the Young Writers Award is one of Queensland’s premier opportunities to nurture and showcase young writers,” Ms Wright said.
“Alongside State Library’s black&write! Indigenous Writing and Editing program, the awards are key initiatives supporting Queensland’s writing talent,” she said.
Ms Jessen, 24, who recently graduated from Queensland University of Technology, was thrilled with the result after deciding to take a chance and enter.
“Winning has given me an incredible sense of validation as a writer”, said Ms Jessen.
“It lets me know I’m on the right track with my writing, and gives me the confidence to continue putting my writing out there."
“It took me a long time to gain enough confidence in myself as a writer to submit my work anywhere,” she said. “Fear of rejection is always very real but the feeling of satisfaction and knowing that someone read and enjoyed your writing far outweighs those initial negative feelings.”
Judge Sue Gough said the panel was impressed by Rebecca’s beautifully crafted story that illustrated the emotional impact of spare prose.
“The word 'original' is overused but it applies big-time to Gap,” Ms Gough said.
“Written in a series of short, poetic bursts, it echoes the rhythms of someone panting out their story as they run from the scene of a crime. This is a writer who knows how to engage the reader in a kind of a dance, giving just enough information for the reader, not just to pick up and follow the steps, but to also extrapolate."
“The concise, crystallised snapshots of the fugitive's life are there for the reader to build on. By the end of the story we understand exactly what has moulded and motivated the protagonist, and the real tragedy of the epiphany,” Ms Gough said.
The 2012 Young Writers Award Runner Up was given to Shastra Deo (Carseldine) for her story The Minutes Turn to Ours, a gently enigmatic story about the strong connection between two young men.
Highly-commended entries were Ashley Bell (Chinchilla) for New Eucalyptus Leaves, Erin Brumpton (Roma) for Towers of Babylon, James Kakanis (Gumdale) for State of Excitement, and Deanna Antoniolli (Graceville) for Heart is Where the Home is.
The Young Writers Award is open to Queensland residents aged between 18 and 25 years. Read the winning stories online at www.slq.qld.gov.au/youngwriters
Award recipients are available for interview upon request.
Media enquiries: Alexia Saeck, SLQ Communications
07 3840 7784 | alexia.saeck@slq.qld.gov.au
23 Aug 2012
Queensland’s top slam poets compete at State Library
Queensland’s top slam poets compete at State Library
Queensland’s hottest Slam poets will throw down their words at State Library of Queensland for the Australian Poetry Slam State Final on Friday 7 September.
After months of slam heats across the state, 18 finalists have been called on to battle it out for the Queensland Slam Championship, and a chance to compete with the best of the best at the national final in Sydney.
Finalists have been mustered from heats in Brisbane, Stanthorpe, Blackall, Mackay, Townsville, Logan, Cairns and Moreton Bay.
Poetry Slams are explosive live events where contestants have two minutes at the microphone to woo the audience with their verbal panache.
"State Library works with local public libraries and award-winning Slam poets to give communities a chance to engage in this unique fusion of spoken word performances and poetry," said State Librarian Janette Wright.
“As we celebrate National Year of Reading, it’s fantastic to see so many people from all walks of life embrace this unique form of self-expression,” Ms Wright said.
“Performers range from freestyle rappers to bush poets, cabaret singers, thespians, storytellers, beatboxers and first-time slammers,” said Ms Wright.
The evening will also feature guest performances by Mackay singer-songwriter Courtney Young and internationally renowned US Def Poet Mark Gonzales.
Gonzales brings to the stage a unique bridging of page, stage and social media with narrative to advance creativity and human rights.
Gonzales has had invitations to perform and speak at the first Middle East TED talks, the United Nations tribunal on social exclusion, the Institute for European Ethnology at Humboldt University in Germany, and Syria where he was the first US born writer of the hip hop generation to be invited to speak.
His methodology operates with the idea that collective dreams lay the foundation for a new form of tribe, and the scope of his work is testament to the global impact that can be achieved through the arts and spoken word.
For more details visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on
When: Fri 7 Sep, 7pm
Where: State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, South Bank
Tickets: $17, bookings slq.eventbrite.com 3840 7768
Photos and interviews available on request.
Media enquiries
Alexia Saeck, SLQ Communications
alexia.saeck@slq.qld.gov | 3840 7784
21 Aug 2012
Reading love fest in Brisbane
Reading love fest in Brisbane
Readers don’t have to wait for Brisbane Writers Festival to enjoy their love of books.
State Library of Queensland is starting the celebrations early with loads of events and activities for readers of all ages.
State Librarian Janette Wright said this week (19 – 25 August) is the perfect time for readers to indulge in the written word.
Along with National Year of Reading and the lead-up to the Brisbane Writers Festival (5 – 9 September), Ms Wright said State Library’s The Library Shop will have the Books From Our Backyard catalogue, produced by Queensland Writers Centre, a collection of books published by Queensland authors in 2011 from 21 August.
“State Library will also have the Books From Our Backyard on display on level 2 in its Reference Library for visitors to browse,” Ms Wright said.
Another National Year of Reading event at State Library will be The Reading Hour: Love, lust & loathing on Saturday 25 August.
“The Reading Hour is an important initiative on the National Year of Reading calendar,” Ms Wright said.
“It’s all about encouraging everyone to read for at least one hour per week."
“Whether it is sharing a book with your child for 10 minutes per day, reading a book on your lunch break, starting a book club with friends or incorporating a reading hour in the school week, reading is a simple, enjoyable and highly beneficial thing to introduce into your routine,” Ms Wright said.
“State Library’s Reading Hour event will see Brisbane’s most amorous authors sharing their tales of love gained, love lost and those you love to hate."
“Sue McPherson, State Library’s kuril dhagun Indigenous Writing Fellowship 2011 winner, will be joined by fellow writers Krissy Kneen, Dr Venero Armanno and Phoebe Hart as they warm up the winter night with intimate readings and discussion.”
State Library will be raising funds for the Indigenous Literature Foundation via a gold coin donation at the door and an auction to win a “date” with author Anita Heiss.
Earlier in the day on Saturday 25 August, children and families are invited to A reading celebration!
“Kids can come along and join in free arts-based activities, bookmaking, storytelling and music to celebrate Children’s Book Week (18 – 24 August),” Ms Wright said.
A reading celebration! is presented by State Library and The Children’s Book Council of Australia (Qld Branch).
Visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on to find out more about State Library events or love2read.org.au for more information about the National Year of Reading.
The Reading Hour: Love, lust & loathing
Sat 25 Aug, 7.30pm–9pm
The Red Box, level 2, State Library of Queensland
Free, bookings slq.eventbrite.com
A reading celebration!
Sat 25 Aug, 10am–2pm
Knowledge Walk, level 1, State Library of Queensland
Free
The Library Shop
Open Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat & Sun 9.30am–5pm
Media enquiries: Amanda Edwards, SLQ Communications
07 3842 9803 | amanda.edwards@slq.qld.gov.au
8 Aug 2012
Celebrating the power of black writing
Celebrating the power of black writing
State Library of Queensland is celebrating Indigenous writers from Australia and around the globe in a new monthly performance series.
BL.INK: black ink, hosted by Brisbane artist Steven Oliver, takes audiences on an exploration of black words – introducing well known, emerging and sometimes anonymous Indigenous writers using the power of the pen to influence and inspire.
SLQ’s kuril dhagun Program Coordinator, Nadine McDonald-Dowd, said Indigenous creators will share their stories, new works and dealings of blackness in a deadly night of black ink at The Library Café.
The next BL.INK event – first and foremost – on Thursday 16 August, will feature the works of Maori poet Hone Tuawhane, Canadian writer Drew Hayden Taylor, Papua New Guinean poet Jeffrey Fiey and Native American performer songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie.
Works from other first nations writers living in Australia will also feature, including Arigon Starr (USA), Hone Kouka (NZ), Albert Bellz (NZ) and Louyaya Toni (PNG).
"Selected writers are the storytellers of their country and their works tell tales of passion, hate, survival and honor,” Nadine said.
“There may be oceans between us as nations but our similarities can be heard in every word. “This BL.INK event is a night not to miss, with performances from local Indigenous artists Yvette Walker, Kaylah Tyson and Barbara Baugh.”
BL.INK: black ink events will be held on the third Thursday of each month until Christmas at The Library Café at SLQ. Entry is free. For details visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on or phone 3842 9061.
BL.INK: black ink
Thursday 16 August, 6.30pm
The Library Cafe, level 1
State Library of Queensland
Free
For images and interviews, contact: Mel Geltch, SLQ Communications
07 3842 9832 | mel.geltch@slq.qld.gov.au
3 Aug 2012
Six Queensland business legends join Hall of Fame
Six more business greats have been inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.
At a gala induction dinner last night, Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AC, Governor of Queensland, announced this year’s Hall of Fame inductees: Campbell Brothers Limited, General (Rtd) Eva Burrows AC, RNA, Cyril Golding, William Knox D’Arcy and the McDonald Family.
State Librarian Janette Wright said that the inductees were recognised for their contribution to the reputation of Queensland and its economic and social development.
6 Jul 2012
Budding Indigenous literary stars get it black and write!
The publishing dreams of three Indigenous Queenslanders will be realised this year through the State Library of Queensland’s black&write! Indigenous Writing and Editing program.
State Librarian Janette Wright has announced the winners of the 2nd annual kuril dhagun Indigenous Writing Fellowships during NAIDOC Week celebrations.
“The 2012 Fellows are young first-time author Teagan Chilcott, and the team of author Jillian Boyd and illustrator Tori-Jay Mordey,” Ms Wright said.
“Teagan is a young Aboriginal woman from Redcliffe, and Rise of the Fallen is the first in her series of dark fantasy novels based in South East Queensland.
“Brisbane-based Jillian is also a first-time writer, having penned the children’s story Bakir and Bi after a writing workshop at State Library last year,” Ms Wright said.
“She shares the fellowship with her 17-year-old niece Tori-Jay Mordey, from Hervey Bay, who illustrated the children’s picture book.”
29 Jun 2012
State Library creates a new online home for design thinking
State Library has launched Design Online, a new public web space for exchanging ideas and generating knowledge around design in the Asia Pacific.
State Librarian Janette Wright said design thinking is becoming an increasingly recognised tool for exploring complex 21st century problems.
“Last year we welcomed world-leading visionary, innovator, designer and author Bruce Mau to speak at State Library,” said Ms Wright. “Bruce has a reputation for interdisciplinary and purpose-driven design innovation, and believes the power of design is boundless and has the capacity to bring positive change on a global scale.
“He challenged us to see the entire world as a design project, encouraging people to look at solving global problems with innovative, home-grown and thoughtful solutions.
“Design Online www.designonline.org.au is a unique platform that will go a long way to helping achieve this,” she said.
“Through Design Online, industry, academia and the public can share in a global discussion, and access the best digital content in the form of vodcasts, podcasts, articles, events, workshops and exhibitions.
“Based around the idea of ‘creative propulsion’, the design community can also author content, building on the ideas of others and generating new knowledge and understanding,” said Ms Wright.
The website has been developed by State Library’s Asia Pacific Design Library (APDL), in collaboration with the broader design community.
APDL have also created Design Minds, an educational site launched in conjunction with Design Online.
Design Minds www.designminds.org.au provides public access to design education content, increases the capacity of Queensland teachers to teach creativity and design, and gives young people access to world-class design projects and activities.
Design Online and Design Minds were launched on 28 June at the 2012 Queensland Smart Design Awards.
Design Minds is proudly supported by Arts Queensland in the Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts and endorsed by QUEENSLANDERSIGN™ an initiative of the Queensland Design Council.
8 Jun 2012
Flood survivor stories shared with State Library
A collection of stories recorded by Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley flood survivors and rescuers has been given to the State Library of Queensland.
The collection of broadcast quality recordings, telephone interviews, photographs and videos was compiled by local journalist Amanda Gearing.
State Librarian Janette Wright said that the Amanda Gearing Collection is extremely valuable to record this devastating moment in Queensland’s history.
“I am deeply moved by the determination of the survivors to share their experiences so that others can have the chance to learn and understand what they went through.”
Oral histories, photographs and videos were gathered from survivors in Spring Bluff, Murphys Creek, Toowoomba, Withcott, Postmans Ridge, Helidon, Carpendale and Grantham.
“These materials will be able to be accessed by all Queenslanders via State Library’s online catalogue, as well as other flood-related items in the State Library’s collection, including oral history recordings from the 1974 floods, digital stories relating to the 2011 floods and photographs of the 1890s floods, as showcased in the Floodlines exhibition,” Ms Wright said.
Floodlines is open until 19 August 2012.
Visit www.slq.qld.gov.au to search the State Library’s collections or www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on for more information about Floodlines.
2 Jun 2012
Awards shine a light on Queensland history
Arts Minister Ros Bates has announced Brisbane-based historian Don Watson as the winner of the 2012 John Oxley Library Fellowship.
Ms Bates said it’s one of three Queensland Memory Awards presented at the State Library as part of Queensland Week.
“Don Watson is an adjunct professor in the Department of Architecture at the University of Queensland and an architect in the Queensland Government,” Ms Bates said
“He is researching Queensland’s early architects and how they adapted their skills to an unfamiliar climate.
“Professor Watson will receive $20,000 as part of the fellowship, along with his own work space within the State Library of Queensland’s John Oxley Library.
“Through the fellowship, he can extend his previously published research – Queensland Architects of the 19th Century: A Biographical Dictionary – into the 20th century and explore the impact of new technologies on architecture.
Filmmakers Sean Gilligan and Adrian Strong have won the John Oxley Library Award for their documentary Fantome Island.
“Their documentary has revealed an important part of our state’s history unknown to many Queenslanders,” she said.
“The film tells the tale of Joe Eggmolesse who in 1945, at the age of seven, was removed from his family and confined to an Indigenous leper colony off the coast of North Queensland.
The final award, the John Oxley Library Community History Award, was presented to Cardwell & District Historical Society for recording the events of Cyclone Yasi, despite their own museum being destroyed by the cyclone.
“I congratulate the Cardwell & District Historical Society on the great community spirit they displayed as they worked together to salvage their valuable collections in addition to collecting oral histories from the town’s inhabitants in the wake of Yasi,” she said.
For more information about any of these stories or about earlier releases, please contact Marketing and Communications on +61 7 3842 9847 or by email to marketing@slq.qld.gov.au.
Celebrate the soundtrack of our state as SLQ sets the stage for the music of Queensland.
Open till 17 Nov
State Library of Queensland provides special library services for members who have an SLQ membership card (formerly known as an e-services card).
