CHANGE MAKERS EXHIBITION CRAFTING A DIFFERENCE
A new exhibition showcasing textile banners exploring a range of social issues is on show at the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo as part of a national touring exhibition by the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD).
Changemakers: Crafting a difference exhibition consists of eight textile banners that represent a range of historical and contemporary activist movements.
“The exhibition demonstrates that Australian women’s quest for freedom and equality is ongoing,” Dubbo Regional Council Assistant Curator Natasha Lunniss said.
“Many of the social issues raised by early activists remain vitally relevant today, including equal pay, sexual harassment, family violence, and female representation in Parliament and business.”
The touring exhibition showcases a range of textile banners created by craftivist and artist Dr Tal Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick has used embroidery, quilting and applique techniques to create textile banners that explore challenging issues, attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate unequal power relations, including financial abuse.
Changemakers focuses on women’s empowerment and demonstrates that crafting — traditionally considered ‘women’s work’ — can be used for political expression and social change. The Changemaker banners used mostly upcycled materials.
Changemakers: Crafting a difference is a travelling exhibition sponsored by Commonwealth Bank as part of CommBank Next Chapter, a program helping victim survivors of financial abuse achieve long-term financial independence.
“We will be hosting an artist talk with Tal Fitzpatrick at the Western Plains Cultural Centre on Saturday 21 June at 11am with a textile workshop run by the artist following at 1pm on the same day where visitors are invited to share ideas and create their own banner,” said Ms Lunniss.
The exhibition runs to 27 July 2025. For more information visit westernplainsculutralcentre.org.
Last Edited: 15 May 2025