Federation exhibition at UTS Gallery explores the emergence of a nation

An exhibition of contemporary art, craft, historic photography and cartoons showing the impact of Federation on regional New South Wales, is being hosted at the University of Technology, Sydney Gallery from 30th October 2001.

The exhibition Federation! But who makes the nation? recently toured country NSW and explores the identities of four regional NSW towns in 1901, compared with today.

Exhibition curator Gillian McCracken said the exhibition weaves together a range of national themes, including democracy, multiculturalism, worker unionism, the landscape and the environment.

"The exhibition aims to show a different side to Federation conveying its importance to these towns at that time and the many contrasts in life that exist there today" Ms McCracken said.

One can see how these towns have contributed to and influenced life in New South Wales and beyond. Each of the towns delivered a resounding 'yes' in the Federation Referendum and consequently countered the 'no' vote of many Sydney centres

The impact of Federation, restrictive new legislation, and the ongoing expansion of the towns on local indigenous people is also revealed in the exhibition.

Federation created problems and advantages for each town and the exhibition explores these issues and endeavours to define the unique characteristics of each town

Historic political cartoons featured in the exhibition contain a humour which is fresh, biting and has a distinctly Australian flavour, while photographs of the period, illustrate the importance of towns such as Broken Hill and their role in changing social and employment trends.

"It highlights the relevance of artists in capturing the essence of Australian identity and the significance of regional centres in contributing to the 'state of the nation' at any point in history," she said.

The exhibition is coordinated by the Museums and Galleries Foundation of New South Wales and presented in partnership with Albury Regional Art Gallery, Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, Broken Hill City Art Gallery and Tweed River Regional Art Gallery and supported by the National Council for the Centenary of Federation.