Media Release
26 June 2025
A powerful exhibition that explores the lives and contributions of Chinese Tasmanians has opened at the Scottsdale Library.
Home: Here and Now is a free exhibition that brings together personal stories, cultural objects and oral histories to highlight the experiences of Chinese migrants and their descendants in Tasmania.
It has a special significance for the Scottsdale area as it underscores the deep connections between the Chinese community and the region’s history. Developed by the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), the exhibition will be officially launched at a community event in Scottsdale on 2 July.
The exhibition features oral histories from both recent migrants and fourth-generation Tasmanians of Chinese heritage, offering a rich and personal look at what it means to belong. Visitors will see traditional cooking and gardening tools, domestic items, and sacred objects from the Guan Di temple – each telling a unique story of life, identity and community.
Chinese people and their descendants have been part of Tasmania’s story for nearly 200 years, beginning with the arrival of nine Chinese carpenters in the 1830s. Since then, Chinese Tasmanians have contributed to the state as miners, market gardeners, restaurateurs, homemakers, students, entrepreneurs, and more.
“This exhibition is a celebration of Tasmania’s cultural diversity and the enduring contributions of Chinese Tasmanians,” said Mary Mulcahy, Director, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
Gary Cowan, CEO National Foundation for Australia-China Relations added “We are a stronger and richer nation because of the contributions of our Chinese Australians. I encourage everyone to visit and learn these important Tasmanian stories.”
Home: Here and Now is curated by TMAG’s Cultural Heritage team with support from the Chinese Community Association of Tasmania and Tasmania’s Fujianese community. The exhibition is supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.
The exhibition will remain on display at the Scottdale Library following its successful showing at Launceston Library.
Launch event: 5:15 pm – 6:30 pm, Wednesday 2 July 2025
Scottsdale Library, 51 King Street, Scottsdale 7260
Media preview: 11:00 am Wednesday 2 July 2025
Contact: Garry Conroy-Cooper, Manager Northern Region Libraries on 0436 926 025.
Exhibition details: Scottsdale Library 25 June 2025 to 13 October 2025. Free entry.
For more information, visit the State Library and Archives of Tasmania Home: Here and Now exhibition webpage.
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