Through My Eyes - A Murweh Story
- 29 Apr 2019
A photographic exhibition of Queensland’s Murweh region showcased the heritage and character through the eyes of local photographers.
What
Through My Eyes - A Murweh Story, a photographic exhibition capturing the distinctive character of the Murweh region, was the first exhibition to be presented in Charleville’s first art gallery.
47 images were exhibited from nine local photographers - Gidgee Adcock, Annabelle Brayley, Raelee Brunckhorst, Michelle Ebsworth, Leonie Eckel, Zac Fitzgerald, Pamela Jackson, Katrina Lehmann, and Narelle Patterson.
Photos reflected the distinctiveness of the region from the people who live there to the changing landscapes to events and activities specific to the shire’s towns.
The exhibition launched on 6 September 2018 and was the inaugural event at the new Mulga Lands Gallery.
The exhibition was also part of Charleville’s celebration of being 150 years and counting.
When and where
September – October 2018, Mulga Lands Gallery, Charleville
Key stats
- 9 local photographers
- 47 images
- 1122 visitors
Investment
$3870 – Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Murweh Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Outcomes
- The Murweh region’s distinctive culture and heritage was captured and celebrated with the community and visitors.
- Local photographers had the opportunity to showcase their work in and to the community.
- Over 1100 visitors attended the exhibition, almost a quarter of the Murweh Shire Council population (4,307 people in 2016).
- The project was an opportunity for local staff to gain experience in curating exhibition
- Through My Eyes set a standard for future exhibitions at the Mulga Lands Gallery. It received positive feedback from visitors and on social media, raising the profile of the gallery.
Reflections and learnings
The project went very smoothly as no one is experienced in curating exhibitions.
Ask around for advice from those who have had work printed etc. The company we used on advice from other local artists were so helpful to us.
Feedback
What a diverse and fabulous snapshot of Murweh – Visitors book
Looks amazing! Such talent in this town. – Friends of Mulga Gallery Facebook page
I don’t think of myself as a “photographer”, my photos were so professionally displayed and I received great feedback from the community – Exhibiting photographer
Tips for others
Give yourself plenty of time! Our lead in time was long, which was good. Get a good core team, not too many.
The WORK Camp (low risk detention) were invaluable, as they spent two days hanging the exhibition.
Get as many groups involved in some way as possible, let the community feel connection with the gallery, not just artists.
What next
The images may be used again as part of a proposed exhibition tour.
The gallery is planning for further exhibitions including an exhibition in October 2019 for Mental Health Week.
Find out more
Friends of Mulga Lands Gallery – Charleville facebook
A pdf version (PDF) (428.31 KB) of this case study is available.