Australian Museum

In partnership with Object: Australian Centre for Craft and Design, the Australian Museum developed Menagerie: Contemporary Indigenous Sculpture, a unique exhibition showcasing the richness and breadth of contemporary Indigenous sculpture in Australia. Thirty-three artists, representing every State and Territory, have produced 52 extraordinary works: a snapshot of Indigenous perspectives on animals at a single point in time and a survey that can never be replicated.

Menagerie was exhibited at the Australian Museum until November 2009 and is currently touring nationally. 

The collection demonstrates beautifully the vibrancy of Indigenous cultures and the constant discovery of new languages to tell stories about the land and our human connection to it. Menagerie represents both ancient dreaming stories and new stories, with the artists using a mixture of traditional and contemporary materials and techniques in their works.

Menagerie includes fibre works by Yvonne Koolmatrie from South Australia; ceramics by Judith Inkamala from the Northern Territory; wood carving by Craig Koomeeta from Queensland; mixed media by Canberra-based Danie Mellor and Tasmanian artist Vicki West; as well as work cast in bronze and aluminium by Dennis Nona from the Torres Strait Islands.

This beautiful collection will join the treasures of the past to become a resource for the future.

Menagerie is so important that the Australian Museum Foundation is raising $300,000 to purchase the entire collection.

The acquisition of this collection will generate significant income directly to the artists and their communities as most of the artworks will be purchased from local community art centres.

Purchasing directly from these local arts centres sends a very positive message to Indigenous artists and communities. It means that a fair price has been paid and a high percentage of the sale price goes directly to the artists, contributing both to individual communities and the sustainability of the sector generally.

To donate to the Menagerie Acquisition Fund

Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Australian Museum Foundation for the Menagerie Acquisition Fund, or for more information contact the Australian Museum on (02) 9320 6216.