Audio on demand

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda will share his views on Indigenous governance and representation, and the provision of services to the community following the closure of ATSIC.

Peter Yu opens Off the Walls: Art from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Agencies 1967–2005, an exhibition about Indigenous art and the politics and history of a time of great change in Indigenous affairs.

Fan D’ian, Director of the National Art Museum of China, Chen Yuming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China and Dennis Richardson, Secretary to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, open the exhibition that examines Chinese art since 1949.

Former members of the Aboriginal Arts Board describe the years of its establishment under the directorship of Bob Edwards.

Former National Gallery of Australia director Betty Churcher and art scholar Dr Caroline Turner discuss Bob Edwards’ contribution to persuading overseas gallery directors to allow exhibitions of masters to come to Australia.

A discussion on John Elliott’s portrait of Bob Edwards at the National Portrait Gallery and how it portrays elements of Bob’s character, including his cultural diplomacy and advocacy for Australia’s Indigenous people.

The man of the moment, Bob Edwards, responds to messages from friends and colleagues who paid tribute to his work.

Childhood friend Dick Richards provides an insight into Bob Edwards’ early years, from growing up on family farms on the Adelaide Plains, to market gardening, the Royal Geographic Society and his anthropological studies.

A welcome by Andrew Sayers followed by Neil MacGregor’s reflections on Bob Edwards as museum curator, anthropologist and archaeologist, founding director of the Aboriginal Arts Board and exhibitions wheeler and dealer.

After introductions by Andrew Sayers and Dr Margo Neale and a welcome to country by Matilda House, Mawalan 2 Marika speaks on behalf of the Marika family, followed by Franchesca Cubillo, senior Indigenous art curator at the National Gallery of Australia.