Now showing in Dubbo
26 November 2011 to 18 March 2012
Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo, New South Wales
Drawn from the collection of the National Museum of Australia, the Symbols of Australia exhibition explores some of the symbols Australians have chosen to represent themselves and their nation.
Australia — both ancient continent and recent nation — is represented by many symbols. National symbols are often used to represent a distinctive national identity. Some symbols endure, others fade away and new symbols develop as attitudes and values change. Often a source of unity and pride, symbols can also divide and exclude.
The Australian flag is legislated as an official symbol. Others, like the kangaroo and wattle, have changed from popular to official symbols over time. The boomerang was a symbol of the continent long before the nation came into being. In the 20th century, the Sydney Harbour Bridge came to symbolise Australia's spectacular attractions, while the Holden car became an emblem of the everyday.
Travelling details
Symbols of Australia can also be seen at the following venues:
South Australia
Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery
30 March to 27 May 2012
Victoria
Gold Museum, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
August to November 2012
This exhibition is supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.
