Symposium | Pacific Art Collections
The Culture of Collecting Then and Now
The Culture of Collecting Then and Now
Burrinja was delighted to capture audio from some of the insightful presentations at the Symposium | Pacific Art Collections
The Culture of Collecting Then and Now.
To listen please click on the appropriate hyperlinks below.
Dion Peita
Collections Manager, Pacific and International Collections, Cultural Collections and Community Engagement, Australian Museum, Sydney
Presenting ‘Understanding of Heritage, Identity and Self for Pacifica Peoples in NSW’
For full audio click here
Jim Specht
Senior Fellow, Australian Museum, Sydney
Presenting ‘Collecting ‘dead birds’ and other ‘curiosities’ in the New Guinea Islands, 1875-1914’
For full audio click here
Jude Philp
Senior Curator, Macleay Museum, Sydney
Presenting ‘The repatriation of the Keleny Pacific art collection to the National Museum in Port Moresby’
For full audio click here
Mike Pickering
Senior Curatorial Fellow, Head of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program, National Museum of Australia, Canberra
Presenting ‘Old Ways and New Ways. Changes in the Ways Museums Collect’
For full audio click here
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In conjunction with the exhibition Secret Ingiets Burrinja presented a one-day symposium with Pacific Art collectors, curators and museum experts from the National Museum of Australia, Canberrra, Australian Museum, Sydney and Macleay Museum, Sydney.
Under the title Pacific Art Collection - the Culture of Collection Then and Now various presenters reflected on how pacific art museum collections came together and how field collecting has changed over time. They discussed the impact of collecting on contemporary arts practise in communities of origin and trends in the repatriation of cultural items and sacred objects.
Harold Gallasch, collector and owner of Tineriba Gallery in Hahndorf, worked and lived on the Gazelle Peninsula for 17 years. During that time he started collecting carvings from New Britain and New Ireland, among these rare Ingiet stones. The secret men’s society had been outlawed by the German administration in 1905, but when found in newly created gardens the carvings still created fear and suspicion among the villagers in the 1960s and 1970s.
Panel Discussion Featuring Dion Peita, Harold Gallasch, Jude Philip, Ross Farnell (Burrinja), Jim Specht and Mike Pickering
Burrinja Visual Arts Manager JD MittmannHarold recalled how he first came about the Ingiet stone carvings and how his interest in the items spurned local villagers to bring out more and more of these when found. He retold some of the stories that are associated with the powerful Ingiet sorcerers and beautifully illustrated his presentation with images of places where Ingiet stones were found.
Jim Specht, Senior Fellow at the Australian Museum, with many years of experience in the field, summarised the history of Pacific art collections from 1875 -1914. His overview placed the exhibition and collection in the context of earlier ones, and explored how objects were collected. He showed that even in the early days objects were often commissioned by the collecting Europeans and that items were produced specifically for sale.
Mike Pickering, Senior Curatorial Fellow at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra, is a former member of the Collections Council of Australia Expert Panel on Repatriation, with many years of experience in working with Aboriginal communities in managing the repatriation of sacred objects and human remains.
With collectors present in the room, Mike presented a light-hearted talk illustrating the role of the National Museum and an overview of the recent trends in repatriation and issues related. He presented a number of brief case studies to illustrate various aspects and complexities of these undertakings.
His presentation was suitably followed by Jude Philp, Senior Curator at the Macleay Museum, Sydney, who filled the place on short notice for Grace Vele from National Museum and Art Gallery Port Moresby, who unfortunately was not able to be present. Jude spoke about the recent role of the Macleay Museum as an intermediary in the transfer of the Keleny Pacific art collection to the National Museum in Port Moresby and logistical challenges involved.
For those who ever wondered what other contemporary purpose a Pacific art collection might also have, Dion Peita, Collections Coordinator Pacific and International Collections at the Australian Museum, presented a project of a special kind. For several years now the museum has run a community engagement project that utilises its Pacific collection to successfully reconnect pacific islander youth in the juvenile justice system of NSW with their cultural heritage. This award-winning project has been operating as a preventative community outreach project for several years now and receives financial support from the state government.
Finally, the presentations concluded with a lively panel discussion involving all speakers, with engaging questions covering a range of museum specific issues coming from the audience.
The symposium was followed by the opening of the exhibition Secret Ingiets, which was officially opened by Cr Jim Child, Mayor Yarra Ranges Council.
Last updated 21/11/2013
Queer Art Collective
Safe space art and social gathering events created for and with queer-identifying people.
The Queer Art Collective (QAC) projectThe Queer Art Collective (QAC) project engaged young LGBTQIAPBS+ individuals in creating a co-designed piece of temporary public art. Simultaneously, QAC hosted various arts-based events that welcomed LGBTQIAPBS+ individuals of all ages. Together, these activities created a dynamic intersection of social connection and creativity. The following report contains data from post-project assessments examining the project’s impact on participants and the community at large. QAC was an 18 month project delivered by Burrinja Cultural Centre, with partnership from VicHealth through the Big Connect program. Burrinja is supported by Creative Victoria, and in partnership with Yarra Ranges Council.
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Hosted by the Queer Art Collective (QAC) at Burrinja and respectfully acknowledging the diverse lived experiences of LGBTQI+ and BIPOC communities, this event is specifically designed as an inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ identifying people and their allies, friends and families who may or may not also be Queer. QAC is committed to creating art and social gathering events created for and with queer-identifying people. These are events for all ages, but young people should be accompanied by an adult. And they are FREE.
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MORE ABOUT QAC
image credit: Midsummer Air, Kim Leutwyler, Oil on wood panel (detail) 20" x 16" 2015 // See more or Kim's work on the gram - @carlosbob
QAC create spaces to have fun and hang out and have your creativity nurtured. QAC is a great place for queer people who are interested in exploring the intersection between queerness and art; connecting with other queer creative legends and seeing, talking about and making art. We love having thought provoking conversations and being inspired by the art we see.
QAC events are designed to bring people together through art. A big focus of the group is on supporting and uplifting young queer-identifying people, connecting them with other young, as well as older, queer people and the wider community, creating safer more inclusive spaces (families, support people and allies are welcome). We often host dinners and creative workshops that run for a couple of hours, we also work together to make larger works of art together as a collective. So come along and share your ideas.
You can come to one, or as many of the events as you like. We 100% welcome input and ideas from young queer people about the events we create.
The Queer Art Collective is proudly funded by Vic Health, and delivered by Burrinja.
To find out more email us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Subscribe to QAC news
The Queer Art Collective (QAC) events are specifically designed to be fun, safe and inclusive held space with great respect for the diverse lived experiences of LGBTQI+ and BIPOC communities.
Previous events:
Burrinja & Vic Health presentsQueer community dinner & a show (15+)Friday June 10 @ 6 – 9.30pm | BurrinjaJoin us! Warm your belly and soul and your funny bone at this event for queer identifying people of all ages and their families. Come for a warm vegetarian bowl of good food and a chat with other members of the queer community in our region and enjoy the multi award-winning theatre show ‘BOOB’S’ by acclaimed queer artist and celebrated musical comedian, Selina Jenkins. ‘BOOBS’ is a ground-breaking tale of mammary proportions that follows one woman and her two boobs through a life changing decision, a million opinions, a natural disaster and an 'Australian first'. Hosted by the Queer Art Collective (QAC) at Burrinja and respectfully acknowledging the diverse lived experiences of LGBTQI+ and BIPOC communities, this event is specifically designed as a fun, safe and inclusive space for Queer identifying people and their families who may or may not also be Queer. Acknowledging the huge importance of intergenerational social connection, this is an event for all ages. And it’s FREE. Community Dinner & Show Evening Itinerary 6.00PM - Arrive & gather |
Burrinja & Vic Health presentsQueer Collage Party!May 26 @ 6 – 7.30pm | At Burrinja or OnlineJoin Aaron from Pink Ember Studios here at Burrinja to make your own collage(s), or team up with others! Hosted by the Queer Art Collective (QAC) at Burrinja and respectfully acknowledging the diverse lived experiences of LGBTQI+ and BIPOC communities, this event is specifically designed as a fun, safe and inclusive space for Queer identifying people aged 18-25. And it’s FREE.
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Burrinja & Vic Health presentsQueer New Worlds + Q & AFriday July 22 @ 7pm | Burrinja TheatreSarah Ward and Bec Matthews are partners in art and life, together they run the independent arts company Fat Fruit. Their shows celebrate gender diversity, encourage free-thinking, and nourish community. Their award-winning shows include Fu*k Fabulous and more recently Fart Fabulous, The Legend Of Queen Kong and The Rainbow Tree. These shows are queer and body-positive performances created collaboratively with LGBTIQA+ artists, feminists, and culturally diverse artists from varied art forms and perspectives. Join Sarah and Bec as they perform an intimate selection of songs from their back catalogue of work, talk about their process and participate in a relaxed Q & A over canapes and refreshments. Hosted by the Queer Art Collective (QAC) at Burrinja and respectfully acknowledging the diverse lived experiences of LGBTQI+ and BIPOC communities, this event is specifically designed as a fun, safe and inclusive space for Queer identifying people and their families who may or may not also be Queer. Acknowledging the huge importance of intergenerational social connection, this is an event for ages 13+. And it’s FREE. Tickets ~ Free |
Burrinja & Vic Health presentsQueer Collage Party with Aaron Billings (Pink Ember Studios)We are bringing back the Queer Collage Party - But this time, its for all ages!Thu 18 Aug @ 6pm | Tasty Az @ BurrinjaAfter a delicious dinner from social enterprise Tasty Az we will be guided in making some rock'n collage with Aaron and also get some insight into his practice. About Aaron...Aaron makes work featuring the male form, particularly the feminised male form and versions of masculinities that mess with gender representation. Through the medium of comics, books, and textiles Aaron explores queer political power and resists heteronormative ways of seeing. This event runs 6-8pm (ish) Let us know you are coming by registering now HERE
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Burrinja & Vic Health presentsStory-sharing workshop with author Roz BellamySat 10 Sep @ 2pm | BurrinjaJoin us for an insightful story sharing workshop with award-winning queer author Roz Bellamy at Burrinja Please note ~ This event is for 15-25yo LGBTQI+ identifying young people. Family/support people are welcome to attend. About Roz...Roz is an experienced presenter, public speaker, interviewer and moderator. They have performed their work and presented at events including the Emerging Writers’ Festival, the National Young Writers’ Festival, the Melbourne Fringe Festival and Queerstories. They have been interviewed on podcasts, ABC Radio, Joy FM, 3CR, Channel 31 and SBS. In 2021, Roz was a writer in residence with Moreland City Council. Let us know you are coming by registering HERE
Get in touch with any questions or to let us know what your access needs are at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Burrinja & Vic Health presentsQueer Community Dinner and Pronoun Badge-making Workshop ~ All AgesMon 17 Oct @ 6pm | Tasty Az @ BurrinjaAfter a delicious dinner from social enterprise Tasty Az we will enjoy a Pronoun Badge-making Workshop This event runs 6-8pm (ish) Let us know you are coming by registering now HERE
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Burrinja & Vic Health presentsQueer Shorts ~ QAC x RAPA
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Burrinja & Vic Health presentsEco-Bath Bombs WorkshopThu 27 Apr @ 6pm | Art Studio @ BurrinjaBath bombs are an awesome way to unwind and get some more self-care in your life! In this workshop, you will learn how to make colourful and sparkly bath bombs in an ethical way. There are lots of colours, scents, and eco-glitter to choose from as you make your own beautiful bath bombs! All materials supplied. In this workshop you will: ~ Watch a bath bomb-making demonstration. Workshop: 6 pm – 7.30 pm Facilitator: Adele Moleta (Delsi) Light dinner/snacks served at 7.30 pm. Let us know you are coming by registering now HEREGet in touch with any questions or to let us know what your access needs are at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Burrinja & Vic Health presentsPeter Waples-Crowe guest artist Q&A and QAC community dinnerSat 13 May @ 5pm | Tasty Az @ BurrinjaEnjoy an Artist Talk with queer indigenous artists Peter Waples-Crowe followed by a delicious dinner from social enterprise Tasty Az. About Peter...Peter Waples-Crowe is a Ngarigo visual and performance-based artist living in Melbourne. His intersecting experiences as an Aboriginal person and his work with community health and arts organisations give him a unique perspective as an artist and community cultural development worker. Waples-Crowe creates bold colourful work that explores the representation of Aboriginal people in popular culture, often referencing the dingo as a totemic figure and an analogy for Indigenous peoples. This event runs 5 - 6.30pm (ish) Let us know you are coming by registering now HEREGet in touch with any questions or to let us know what your access needs are at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Burrinja & Vic Health presentsPolymer Pride EarringsSat 12 Aug @ 2pm | Art Studio @ BurrinjaWould you like to adorn yourself with a pair of handmade earrings? Maybe you'd like to learn how to experiment with polymer clay to create sparkly handmade creations. In this workshop, you will learn how to mould and cut polymer clay to create your own pair of Polymer Pride Earrings. All materials supplied. In this workshop you will: ~ Learn about polymer clay. Workshop: 2 pm – 3.30 pm Let us know you are coming by registering now HEREGet in touch with any questions or to let us know what your access needs are at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Small Gems
New Work Producing Consortium
Small Gems aims to identify, develop and support new performing arts work for small to medium sized venues in metropolitan Melbourne and beyond. Small Gems will essentially commission independent works that are of professional quality, contemporary interest and in the genre of drama, dance, hybrid theatre, circus and ground based physical theatre, in order to help create new work, support artists with a track record of high quality production output, and contribute positively to the Australian theatre scene.
Partners in the Consortium currently are:
Gasworks Arts Park, Hobsons Bay City Council, Kingston Arts Centre, The Melba Spiegeltent and Burrinja Cultural Centre
For full details on Small Gems including 'who its for', 'what's in it for artists', and how to apply, please see full details at: gasworks.org.au/small-gems/
Calling Playwrights, Circus Performers, Choreographers and Creative Producers!
Do you have a play that you've just finished writing? Do you have a new script that's just waiting for an audience to appreciate it? Perhaps you're a dancer or a circus performer with a show that's ready to go.
If so, then apply to Gasworks Arts Park's Small Gems program.
Small Gems commissions independent works that are of professional quality and contemporary interest. Preference is given to work that's had a development period and/or comes from artists with a track record of high quality.
Apply now and tell us all about your new art work. Through Small Gems we promote and develop work that's right for small to medium sized venues in Melbourne and beyond. Small Gems facilitates tours so that audiences see your show. The program also offers access to rehearsal space, payment for performances, and marketing.
We work with four other performing arts venues to get Small Gems' applicants work in from cosmopolitan audiences. We work with Hobsons Bay City Council, Burrinja Cultural Centre, Kingston Arts Centre and The Melba Spiegeltent to get your works in front of appreciative people.
Applying couldn't be simpler. Our form is easy to fill in - find it here.
Belgrave Lantern Parade
About Belgrave Lantern Parade
Belgrave Lantern Parade promises another amazing celebration of creativity and community in the Hills.
Each year the Lantern Parade brings together the community of the Hills in a celebration of friendship, light, warmth and creativity on the shortest day of winter. The street is reclaimed for the people and thousands flock to take part in one of best and biggest community-made spectacles as hundreds of lanterns line the main street, accompanied by drummers, dancers and performers of all sorts. There’s also a lineup of fabulous performers and events before and after the Parade, and the Parade Village with fire pits, food stalls and community signing into the night.
Each year we see more big lanterns, from more groups in the community, coming together in the weeks and months leading up to the parade and working with our Hill’s own Lantern Artists to create awe inspiring large group lanterns of special significance.
Belgrave Lantern Festival 2022
Sat 25 June from 6pm | Belgrave
This year’s Belgrave Lantern Festival puts all of Belgrave on the map, taking festival revellers on a self-led journey across and around the entire township. ‘Activated’ spaces and creative precinct ‘pop ups’ appear in streets, alleyways, arcades, nooks and crannies, featuring art, music, workshops, circus arts, DJ’s, bands, solo artists, food trucks, fire-pits and more.
Last year’s ‘re-imagined’ lantern pivot, which saw shop fronts transformed into luminous lantern exhibits, verified that the hills community is an undaunted, creative and tenacious mob, prepared to do whatever it takes to keep the glow in our streets, and in our hearts, burning bright. This spirit sets the tone and inspiration for 2022.
Belgrave will again become a literal and figurative beacon of light, levity and celebration across the hills this year. On June 25, The Belgrave Lantern Festival will splash down! So, will there be lantern-making workshops in the lead up? Absolutely. Can I bring my own lantern on the night? 100%.
On the longest night of the year, we invite you to experience and re-experience Belgrave anew. June 25 is a homage to light, the imagination and to the community that illuminates, nourishes and informs how Belgrave lives, works and plays together.
See you there!
Belgrave Lantern Festival & Belgrave Buzz presentLantern Making WorkshopsJun 11 - 17 | Belgrave Library | $10ppBelgrave's Iconic Lantern Parade IS BACK ----> this Winter Solstice on JUNE 25th Now all we need is YOU to be a part of it... Join us for a series of Lantern Parade Making Workshops held at the Belgrave Library. Pre Book to confirm your spot! Limited spaces available.
Workshop Dates & Times: Saturday the 11th of June @ 11:00am Sunday the 12th of June | Session 1 @11:00am | Session 2 @ 2pm Thursday the 16th of June @ 4:00pm Friday the 17th of June @ 4:00pm
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