TWO ISLANDS, ONE HOME: A story of belonging

Guest blogger:  Mackay Artspace

Two islands, one home: A story of belonging, will opening at Mackay Artspace Friday 5 July 2013.  An exhibition developed by Artspace Mackay Regional Art Gallery and members of the Mackay Australian South Sea Islander Community to  pay homage to the 150th anniversary of the arrival of South Sea Islanders to Queensland. 

The exhibition is curated with objects, photographs and documents from the local Australian South Sea Islander Community in Mackay.  These will be displayed alongside items from the Queensland Museum and State Library of Queensland.  All these precious collections will help to tell the Australian South Sea Islander story through the eyes of the descendents in the Mackay Region.  A great opportunity to share stories about place, people and this significant history.  It is important to remember Mackay is home to one of the largest population of Australian South Sea Islanders in Australia.

This is a significant milestone for the Australian South Sea Islander Community and it is an important part of Australia’s history.  Two islands, one home:  A story of belonging is part of this year’s exciting Mackay Festival of Arts program which celebrates the theme My Island Home  The opening will be celebrated through music, performance and food with Willie Kii and his famous thongaphone in the gallery, alongside live music by Namarca Corowa. 

On Sunday, 4 August 2013,  a morning tea and conversation with Ms Tracey Heathwood the curator who worked with the Australian South Sea Islander Community,  will be held in the gallery and is free to attend.

 If you would like to attend the free opening night or exhibition talk please RSVP to Artspace Mackay, call 4961 9722 or email artspace@mackay.qld.gov.au.