State Library of Queensland

This continent has the oldest continuous storytelling tradition in the world. But the Australian literary canon is, let’s face it, overwhelmingly white. And while First Nations literature is increasingly visible in bookshops and literary awards, are things really changing? Have the Black Lives Matter protests affected the publishing world? What role do schools and universities play in showcasing diverse voices? And why should Australians read more First Nations literature?    Hear from two of the country’s most respected and widely published authors and thinkers, writer Tony Birch and Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt, and emerging Torres Strait Islander writer and editor Jasmin McGaughey. This event is hosted by broadcaster, curator and journalist Rhianna Patrick. Together they’ll examine how some stories are still excluded and look towards the future of First Nations literature.  Watch free and livestreamed from State Library of Queensland. Audience members are invited to submit questions to the expert panel.  This discussion is linked to Sovereign Stories: 10 years of black&write! This exhibition, opening in late October, will celebrate a decade of the black&write! editing and writing project.  Presented by State Library of Queensland and The Conversation, the world's leading free, fact-based news source written by academics and edited by journalists. Disclaimer: The views expressed by the speaker are their own and the promotion of products/services is not endorsed by State Library.

Viewpoints: Contemporary Aboriginal Photography showcases the captivating work of three contemporary Aboriginal photographers, Michael Aird, Jo-Anne Driessens and Naomi Hobson, with an emphasis on community photography. There are thousands of images in the State Library’s collection depicting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, often taken by non-Indigenous photographers. But what about photography from the viewpoint of First Nations photographers? All three photographers’ collections capture the urban and regional experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Queensland, as well as significant events and anniversaries. Their images capture contemporary narratives around black representation and identity in community. These photographs reflect a contemporary working style with many close connections forged between the photographers and the photographed. I want people to look at these works and see this is a new thing, this is, ‘their time in the world is now.' - Naomi Hobson Experience contemporary Aboriginal community life first-hand, through the lens of these renowned photographers.