Exhibitions

What does it mean to hold Indigenous cultural material?

Billabongs Not Silos: Beyond Symbolism invites visitors to explore this important question through a unique exhibition bringing together Indigenous artworks, cultural objects and stories from health, education and community organisations across Victoria, alongside significant works from the La Trobe University collections.

Presented by La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University's School of Education and Office of Indigenous Strategy and Education, in partnership with Djaa Djuwima Gallery and the City of Greater Bendigo, the exhibition challenges traditional approaches to collecting and displaying Indigenous cultural materials.

Rather than viewing these objects as static artefacts or symbols of inclusion, Beyond Symbolism repositions them as living holders of knowledge, responsibility, relationship and connection to Country.

The exhibition features bark paintings, stone tools, message sticks, possum skin cloaks, woven works and contemporary artworks, each carrying stories of culture, identity, community and continuity. Together, these works encourage visitors to reflect on the responsibilities that come with cultural custodianship and the role institutions can play in supporting meaningful relationships with First Nations peoples and communities.