Kuba Dorabialski. In the Ordinary, Peaceful Course of Events, the Majority of the Population (video still), 2019

Saturday 27 July 2019 | 10am – 4.00pm

OK Democracy, We Need to Talk: A symposium about power, the visual image and media access.

 To coincide with the closing weekend of our current exhibition, OK Democracy, We Need to Talk Campbelltown Arts Centre is hosting a symposium co-programmed with UNSW Art & Design lecturer, Simon Hunt (A.K.A Pauline Pantsdown).

Reflecting on the current state of democracy in Australia and across the globe, the symposium will focus on the ability to speak and to be heard, questioning how the visual image and media tools are utilised as a means to access power.

The symposium will  include guest keynotes, two panels featuring: Simon Hunt, Cathy Wilcox, Patrick Morrow, Sabella D’Souza, JD Reforma, Safdar Ahmed and Deborah Kelly with more names to be announced and free artist led workshop activities.

Democracy sausages will be available for a gold-coin donation, with all proceeds going to Dharawal Men’s Aboriginal Corporation.

Cost: Free, however bookings are essential
Ages: All ages and abilities welcome (children are to be accompanied by an adult)
Location: Performance Studio,Campbelltown Arts Centre

Program – download the full program booklet here

10am – 10.15am
Acknowledgement to Country:
Uncle Ivan Wellington

Introductions and housekeeping:
Adam Porter, Senior Curator Contemporary Visual Art

10.15am – 11.00am
Keynote:
Simon Hunt – A history of Pauline Pantsdown

11.00am – 12.30pm
Panel Discussion:
Political Activism: The role of contemporary art, imagery and graphics in social media.

Moderator: Elizabeth Fortescue
Panelists: Sabella D’Souza, Simon Hunt, Patrick Morrow and JD Reforma

12.30pm – 2.00pm
Lunch Break:
Curator’s tour
Meme-making workshops
Democracy Sausage Sizzle

2.00pm – 3.30pm
Panel Discussion:
Illustration and photography as commentary in news media.

Moderator: Elizabeth Fortescue
Panelists: Safdar Ahmed, Cathy Wilcox, Deborah Kelly, Nick Moir and Dean Sewell

3.30pm
Speaker’s Corner and Meme Presentation:
Audience questions and best meme presentation

4.00pm
Closing remarks