State Library of Queensland

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What does it take to exhibit at the Venice Art Biennale? In 2022, Dr Sebastian Di Mauro’s Greenback series was shown as part of the Personal Structures exhibition at the 59th Venice Art Biennale. The two-year-long project explored his experience relocating from Australia to America, a journey not too dissimilar to his grandparents’ emigration from Sicily to Australia. On this work Sebastian appliquéd and embroidered green US-military issue blankets with representations of the culturally significant buildings used on US ‘greenback’ dollar notes. But how does an artist take their work to such a prestigious, international exhibition? Hear Dr Sebastian Di Mauro detail his work and the process of applying for an Arts Queensland, Queensland Arts Showcase Program and Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grant Program to support the realisation of his international exhibition. About Dr Sebastian Di Mauro Bilingual in Sicilian — the language of his grandparents —and English, Sebastian Di Mauro has gradually developed a sculpture practice that speaks to his family’s migrant experience. The 1998 exhibition Pane e Zucchero (Bread and Sugar), held in Cairns, drew directly on his father’s work as a baker in far North Queensland and his grandfather’s labour in the sugar-cane fields. His signature use of astro-turf to clothe the natural forms used for his public sculptures referred to the ‘greener grass’ sought by his migrant family. Di Mauro’s paintings, sculptures, artist books and installations are collected by many of Australia’s key art institutions. Dr Sebastian Di Mauro is represented by Onespace Gallery. About Meet the artists Surround yourself with extraordinary contemporary works by some of Australia’s most acclaimed Australian artists and hear their stories with screenings of 35 video interviews in the James C. Sourris AM Collection of Artist Interviews. Artwork on display includes work from Vernon Ah Kee, Luke Roberts, Fiona Foley, Judith Wright, Leonard Brown, Anne Wallace, Sandra Selig, and Eugene Carchesio, The exhibition is curated by Julie Ewington, an authority on contemporary Australian art, showcasing the James C. Sourris AM Collection of Artist Interviews. Meet the artists will be open until 6:00 pm in the slq Gallery before the artist talk

Join us this May at State Library, the heart of writing, as storytellers, dreamers, thinkers and artists come together for Brisbane Writers Festival. Take part in uplifting and thoughtful conversations, panels, performances and more. Explore an array of free and ticketed events held at State Library, as the festival returns with more surprises than ever. Brisbane Writers Festival runs 10 – 14 May. Program launch and tickets on sale 29 March. Word Play For younger readers and school groups, Word Play is an inspiring education program for young readers, writers and illustrators from Prep to Grade 12. Word Play returns from 10 - 12 May. Program launch and tickets on sale 15 March. Make the most of your visit with State Library's activities for schools while you’re here. Take a self-guided tour, explore on a treasure hunt, or book a class study space for use between sessions. Festival Shop Pick up a book by your new favourite author, as well as gifts and other items, all specially curated by the Library Shop. Find the Festival Shop in the Infozone on level 1 or shop online now. Feeling peckish? Fuel up between events with a selection of snacks, sweet treats, sandwiches and beverages at the Library Cafe.

State Library's recording studio at The Edge provides access to professional equipment and specialist software for recording, mixing, editing, and mastering. You can use the recording studio for free, however you first must first complete an induction. We will show you how to use the gear, what mics and equipment we have available and go over the booking policies. Missed out? Join the wait list! Our inductions are popular and will sell out quickly. If you miss out on a spot, add yourself to the waiting list and if a ticket becomes available, you will be contacted automatically with further instructions on how to book. Otherwise, sign up to The Edge eNews to find out when our next session will go on sale. Requirements to visit The Edge Participants must be over 16 years of age. Enclosed, flat footwear must be worn at all times. Please become a State Library member before you arrive. If you already have a State Library member account, make sure you know your login details as you may be required to login during the workshop to access State Library computers, and to make bookings for equipment. Before you book Please read The Edge Booking Terms and Conditions. You’ll find answers to age restrictions, what to bring, what to do if you’re running late, refunds and more. Please contact us if you need support to participate in this event and consult State Library of Queensland's conditions of entry before making your booking. To find out more about what else is on offer, read up on our Fabrication Lab and community makerspace. You can also subscribe to be the first to know about our future events.