A4 Refugee Project Exhibition 2002

My Great Australian Dream, by Tammy Mauchlin

In 2002, the State Library accepted a wonderful donation of original works on paper, from the exhibition organizers of the A4 Refugee Project.  At the time "Austcare" was an organisation whose mission was to assist refugees overseas, displaced people and those affected by landmines to rebuild their lives through the expert delivery of development programs in partnership with local communities and other agencies.

Home is where the Art is, artist unknown

Jane Gallagher, curator at the time, proposed the exhibition with the support of Austcare, inviting contemporary artists from around Queensland who were supporters of justice for refugees to submit a piece of work on A4 paper.

The project came together with the submission of 115 pieces of work, by prestigious and emerging artists. The exhibition coincided with Refugee Week and was held at the Metro Arts Building, Brisbane in October 2002.  Through this work the participants created a permanent document of the artistic response from the community to this issue as a gesture of support to the refugees.

Sketch for Woman of Woomera, by Chris Jennings

To see this amazing collection of works visit the State Library, and request this item at the reference desk on level 4. The collection can be found in the Australian Library of Art, original materials collection. Click here for more information about this material.

* In 2009, Austcare changed its name to ActionAid Australia.

Janette Garrad, Senior Technician, Published Content, State Library of Queensland.