Contemporary forms of Indigenous protest are examined by historian John Maynard, film director Rachel Perkins, elder Martin Ballangarry and hip-hopper Brothablack in a forum coinciding with the Museum’s From Little Things Big Things Grow exhibition.

Renowned Australian cellist David Pereira plays one of the National Museum’s most treasured musical instruments, the AE Smith cello, accompanied by harpist Alice Giles.

Renowned Australian cellist David Pereira plays the cello made by AE Smith in Sydney in 1953, one of the National Museum’s most treasured musical instruments. This piece was originally for violin and piano.

Renowned Australian cellist David Pereira plays a personal composition on the cello made by AE Smith in Sydney in 1953, one of the National Museum’s most treasured musical instruments. Dedicated to Gabrielle Hyslop and the National Museum.

Renowned Australian cellist David Pereira plays the cello made by AE Smith in Sydney in 1953, one of the National Museum’s most treasured musical instruments. Dedicated to Stuart Challender.

The AE Smith string quartet held by the National Museum is outlined by conservator Robin Tait. She also discusses the conservation strategy of display and occasional use for functional museum objects.

Renowned Australian cellist David Pereira plays the cello made by AE Smith in Sydney in 1953, one of the National Museum’s most treasured musical instruments. Movements played: Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Bourrees I and II, and Gigue.

Renowned Australian cellist David Pereira plays the cello made by AE Smith in Sydney in 1953, one of the National Museum’s most treasured musical instruments. This piece was dedicated to David Pereira.

Renowned Australian cellist David Pereira plays the cello made by AE Smith in Sydney in 1953, one of the National Museum’s most treasured musical instruments. Movements played: Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gavottes I and II, and Gigue.

An original bamboo musical instrument made by Minh Tam Nguyen, a Vietnamese refugee to Australia, illustrates a meeting of European and Asian traditions and a life changed by war, explains curator Jennifer Wilson.