Courage to Care exhibition: book in for an uplifting experience

Wollongong City Council release: 7 Sept 2023

If you’re part of a community group, club or organisation, now is the time to reserve your private tour of the upcoming Courage to Care exhibition coming soon to Wollongong Art Gallery.

The exhibition will run from 23 September until 26 November, and there are a limited number of tours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays where people can have an introduction to the historical context of the exhibition, be taken on a guided tour of the exhibition, and hear directly from a Holocaust survivor.

“This is a really fascinating opportunity for people in our community to learn more about those individuals who have spoken up against discrimination and whose small acts of kindness have gone a long way to responding to racism and prejudice,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“We are fortunate to have the Courage to Care exhibition coming to Wollongong Art Gallery and are grateful that, along with the exhibition itself, there is an interactive opportunity to engage in the information and displays in a proactive and respectful way. There is nothing like hearing about someone’s lived experience to really building understanding.’’

The exhibition aims to create awareness around the dangers of racism, prejudice and discrimination, and to provide opportunities for people to learn and challenge their own attitudes and behaviours with the aim to transform people’s behaviour.

It’s presented by Courage to Care, a non-profit organisation who works to educate about discrimination. During the exhibition local schools, and community groups, will have the opportunity to book in for guided tours of the display that includes precious historical artefacts and audio-visual elements.

“An art gallery isn’t just a place where you can engage and interact with art, it’s a space of learning, it’s a place where the things you see and hear can spark thoughtful conversation. The intention of this exhibition is to do all these things in a respectful and considered way,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“While the exhibition is on, I encourage everyone to find the time to pop into the Burelli Street space – it’s free – and explore this exhibition.’’

Courage to Care CEO Ed St John says the organisation pleased to bring the touring exhibition to Wollongong and to facilitate tours and opportunities for people to meet with Holocaust survivors.

“This exhibition doesn’t solely focus on the Holocaust, but it is a big part of the displays,’’ said Mr St John.

“We have toured this exhibition across Australia and found that people find the displays thought-provoking and a conversation starter about what it means to speak out against discrimination.’’

The Courage to Care exhibition also works to demonstrate our commitment to providing opportunities to learn more about the Holocaust following confirmation in 2022 that Gallery benefactor Bob Sredersas was a Nazi Collaborator.

Read: Media Release: Wollongong City Council removes Sredersas plaque

“Wollongong City Council made a commitment to our community last year that we would seek opportunities to support learning about the Holocaust after the research by Emeritus Professor Konrad Kwiet confirmed Bob Sredersas was a Nazi Collaborator,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“We have stood by that commitment with a talk earlier this year by Professor Kwiet at the Gallery and now this exhibition. It’s so important we continue to build our knowledge, understanding and empathy when it comes to considering the lived experiences of others.

“It’s often said that knowledge is power but it’s what we can do with our knowledge to improve the lives of others that’s the most powerful thing of all.’’

Courage to Care is at Wollongong Art Gallery from 23 September until 26 November. Tours and workshops can be booked by emailing exhibition@couragetocare.com.au