Exhibition Launch: Baggarrook-al Biik-u – She is of Country

Join us for the launch of Dr Mandy Nicholson’s exhibition Baggarrook-al Biik-u followed by the first Dean’s Lecture of 2024 with Indigenous scholar Assistant Professor Heather Dorries.

Celebrate the launch of our first exhibition of 2024 and experience Country through the eyes of Dr Mandy Nicholson, Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai Illum wurrung.

Baggarrook-al Biik-u delves into Country's many layers – below, on, water, wind, sky and star – and holds space for the Baban Darrang or Mother Tree and its conjuring of cultural survival. Uncover an important survey of work curated by the Wurundjeri artist, Traditional Custodian of Naarm and Senior Lecturer in First Peoples Perspectives in Design.

Following the launch will be the first Dean’s Lecture of the year featuring visiting Indigenous scholar Assistant Professor Heather Dorries from the University of Toronto.

A/Prof Dorries will reveal how Indigenous knowledge can revitalise our cities while tackling homelessness and community displacement. Mirroring Melbourne’s housing crisis, A/Prof Dorries explains how Toronto’s over-heated real estate market has made access to housing out of reach for many while simultaneously criminalising homeless encampments (tent cities). By using alternative Indigenous methods of urban planning, A/Prof Dorries believes we can move beyond housing as a colonial concept and prioritise living well for all.

Event Details

Launch Night: Tuesday 19 March 2024, 5:30 pm-8:00 pm
Please register your attendance for the launch to ensure catering numbers.
For more information on the exhibition please visit our website.

Dean’s Lecture, 7:00pm
Book now: Dean’s Lecture, Planning the End of the World: Indigenous Urbanism and the Art of Refusal

Exhibition dates: Wednesday 20 March - Tuesday 2 April 2024
Gallery hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm

The Glyn Davis Building is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions about your visit don't hesitate to email us at msd-exhibitions@unimelb.edu.au.

Parking is available at the Eastern Precinct Carpark For your best public transport route, visit Public Transport Victoria

Find out more about the exhibition