30 June 2008
An art exhibition inspired by the life and service of Caroline Chisholm is returning to Victoria University after successful tours to Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra. Created and curated by VU fine arts lecturer and visual artist, Flossie Peitsch, 'Chisholm's Homes: Shaking Down the Miracle' was developed with more than 1000 residents and local primary and secondary school students to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the birth of Caroline Chisholm and the centenary of women's suffrage in Victoria.
Dr Helen Szoke, chief executive officer of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, will officially open the exhibition, on 1 July.
Media are welcome to attend
Caroline is recognised in Australian history as a remarkable humanitarian for her work helping thousands of poor migrants. She came to Australia from England with her soldier husband in 1838, and took up the cause of finding employment and suitable accommodation for immigrant girls. She lobbied for cheaper land so that diggers could build homes near the goldfields, and in 1855 established 10 shelter sheds and eating houses a day's walk apart. These havens for travellers to the Ballarat diggings, renowned for good, cheap meals and a bed for a shilling a night, became known as 'Chisholm's shakedowns'.
Dr Peitsch's vision in creating a collection of collaborative artistic works centred on Caroline, will come alive in the opening talk and Caroline Chisholm herself and other period-dressed attendants will make a cameo appearance at the opening.
In hosting the exhibition and an associated workshop for Caroline Chisholm enthusiasts, Victoria University Librarian Philip Kent said its themes of women and education "ring closely with VU values of equality, diversity and cooperation."
The exhibition runs from Tuesday 1 July to Saturday 5 July.
Where: Victoria University, Floor 17, City Flinders Campus, 300 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm; Saturday 11am - 3pm
Exhibition opening Tuesday 1 July 6pm
Media Contact:
Ann Marie Angebrandt, Senior Writer,
Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: (03) 9919 5487; mobile 0403 556 001.
