Who’s involved
Migration Heritage Centre
Wollongong City Gallery
University of Wollongong – Institute of Social Change and Critical Inquiry
Wollongong City Council
Wollongong Working Women’s Centre
Illawarra Ethnic Communities Council
Australia’s Industry World
Tourism Wollongong
Australian Society for the Study of Labour History (Illawarra branch)
Illawarra Historical Society
When and where
Project location: Wollongong/Illawarra region, NSW
Project status: Completed project
Date of completion: October 2002
Project description
During the post-war period, thousands of migrants arrived in Wollongong to work at the steelworks. In the 1980s, many of these workers were retrenched. Without employment and frequently at home, they were forced to re-examine their lives and rebuild a sense of self-worth which did not rest simply on their previous identities as workers. They were also forced to develop new skills and forms of expression, and to find new ways of channelling creative energies.
This project focused on the male migrant, whose acceptance in his new country came from his capacity to work, and explored what happens when this capacity is taken away. The ‘Male Domestic’ exhibition showed how human creativity can overcome times of hardship and uncertainty, and helped us discover value and identity in overlooked areas of our lives. Through artworks, garden sculpture, furniture, photographs and stories, the exhibition examined how creativity is an essential part of everyday life, helping people through periods of transition and change.
What did the project achieve?
The project involved creating an exhibition, publishing a catalogue with commissioned essays, an education kit and extensive public programs. Through new research into post-war migration, industry and labouring, and the social history of the Wollongong region, the project also recognised the valuable contributions that migrant communities have made to Australian society. The exhibition also formed important partnerships between cultural institutions, arts workers, heavy industry, historians and community groups. The exhibition was on show Saturday 24th August – Sunday 13th October 2002 at Wollongong City Gallery.
Project contact
John Monteleone – Deputy Director
Wollongong City Gallery
Phone 02 4228 7802
Fax 02 4226 5530
Email jmonteleone@wollongong.nsw.gov.au
Address:
PO Box 696
WOLLONGONG NSW 2520
AUSTRALIA
Website
www.wollongongcitygallery.com
