Media Release
22 November 2022
Youth Speak Out is an annual initiative run by Reconciliation Tasmania providing a space for children and young people to express their thoughts and ideas around Reconciliation.
First suggested by former Federal Minister Margaret Reynolds, the Youth Speak Out initiative has highlighted the next generation’s views on Aboriginal affairs since 2018. Tasmanian students from Years 5 – 12 enter art, multimedia, speeches, letters, poems, or whole class projects responding to the National Reconciliation Week theme.
A collaboration between Libraries Tasmania and Reconciliation Tasmania has enabled Youth Speak Out entries to be exhibited across the state for the first time.
Included in the Youth Speak Out: Travelling Exhibition is an evocative photograph of a shell necklace by young Palawa artist, Taylah Pickett. Taylah states, “I was lucky enough to create this necklace, which holds a great importance to me as a connection to my ancestors. Adjoining the necklace is a piece of string that has been carefully handmade with long blades of grass, using the same method that has been passed down through generations.”
According to State Archivist, Ross Latham, “Seeing the work of young people from across Lutruwita/Tasmania as they creatively respond to themes such as ‘Be a Voice for Generations’ is encouraging. We can all be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives now, and into the future.”
A selection of work from 2018 – 2023 entries will tour various libraries around the state. The exhibition commences with a three-month stint at the State Library of Tasmania’s Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts, Ground Floor, 91 Murray Street, Hobart, from 24 November 2023 to 24 February 2024.
For more information about the exhibition visit Youth Speak Out: Travelling Exhibition.
Photo, footage and interview opportunity: The media is warmly invited to attend the exhibition opening this Friday, 24 November 2023 from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm at the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts.
Libraries Tasmania, Communications and Marketing – 6165 6386