A new exhibition, showcasing textile banners exploring a range of social issues, will travel to Swan Hill as part of a national touring exhibition by the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD).
Changemakers: Crafting a difference will open at Swan Hill Regional Library on 23 October 2024 and is the touring component of the Changemakers exhibition, sponsored by Commonwealth Bank, currently on display at MoAD at Old Parliament House in Canberra.
The touring exhibition showcases a range of textile banners created by craftivist and artist Dr Tal Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick has used embroidery, quilting and applique techniques to create textile banners that explore challenging issues, attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate unequal power relations, including financial abuse.
“Craft is a fundamentally human technology, one that has been with us since the dawn of civilisation and has helped us transform the world around us,” she said.
“Textiles are a kind of universal language, warm and familiar, which can open up soft spaces for hard conversations. The handcrafted banners I created for this exhibition highlight some really challenging issues that we, as a society, need to talk more about. These include housing insecurity, the unequal distribution of domestic labour, gender-based violence and financial abuse.”
The travelling exhibition invites audiences to explore the power of craftivism, a global movement that combines craft with activism. Craftivists challenge clichéd notions of needlecraft and ‘women’s work’ to create platforms for advocacy: raising awareness, sparking discussion and uniting community. The exhibition is activated through programming where visitors are invited to share ideas and create their own banner.
MoAD Director Stephanie Bull said MoAD is delighted to partner with the Commonwealth Bank and share with regional audiences this thought-provoking exhibition. “This exhibition provides a perfect opportunity to encourage all people to consider their part in creating communities of change. When we foster a respectful society, we build a brighter future,” she said.
Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery Director, Ian Tully, is looking forward to the touring component of the Changemakers exhibition coming to Swan Hill. “For centuries art has bought awareness to social issues, and challenged us to problem-solve and grow within ourselves and our communities- and this very important exhibition, I’m sure, will do just that,” he said.