Nadine-McDonald-Dowd is the Guest Curator for 'Those Days ... A Living History Project', a free installation exhibition that is part of QPAC's 'Clancestry'. The installation, which is site-specific, captures the oral and visual history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Community members of Brisbane and their memories of the South Brisbane.
Currently working at the State Library of Queensland and the Executive Manager of kuril dhagun, Nadine's is interested in being able to tell stories, “It's about re-writing a wrong history through our eyes and our voices.” Nadine is excited to be a part of an awesome team working on this project: listening, learning and sharing the stories of the elders.
Describe Clancestry in five words?
People, Place, Connection, Pride and Deadliness!
What is your part in it all? And how did you come to be involved?
I was invited by QPAC to be a part of a ‘living history project’ as guest curator. The work I love to do and believe in whole heartedly is how we record our stories so they are forever a part of our history. Over the years working at the State Library of Queensland, it’s become evident that our stories are being swallowed up in the concrete so to speak. Being a part of this project has allowed me to learn and share some wonderful stories about this country here in Brisbane and the absolute resilience of our community. I love to learn. I am forever learning and being able to sit and listen and learn is life-changing. We should all stop and do it every so often.
What do you love about the Arts?
I grew up with the Arts being an important part of my life. I love how it has the power to challenge, change and smack you in the face!
Why should peeps come and see the show?
'Those Days' gives you a wonderful sense of this area prior to the creation of the Cultural Precinct. These streets and laneways were alive and bustling with people, a pub nearly on every corner, trams going night and day, housing, parks — even a wrestling stadium and a skate rink! But the wonderful sense of belonging to this place was built by a lot of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who called South Brisbane home. It is always important to understand the history of country you walk on and these stories give you a totally new viewpoint.
What do you want them to say as they leave?
'I would’ve loved to have seen Brisbane in those days!' I would also like them to get a greater understanding of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have significantly contributed to the cultural landscape of this country.
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How do you bring creativity into your life?
I am fortunate to work with a team of wonderfully creative and culturally rich people who remind me every day of what it means to be black. We are diverse, we are individuals and we each bring culture into our lives in different ways. I could sit forever and listen to people tell their stories. I love it!
What have you learnt from working on different productions?
Professionally I am always learning new skills, ways of working and getting things over the line. Personally, being involved with projects like 'Those Days' and programs like Clancestry inspires me to keep telling our stories through whatever medium to get our voices out there.
What are some of your biggest achievements in the Arts?
Having a job! I was very fortunate to have started working in the arts at a time of being mentored (before that was even a word) by people like Wesley Enoch, Roxanne McDonald, Getano Bann who took the time to teach me the basic skills I needed to survive. There have also been numerous people in the Murri Community here in Brisbane who have gently pushed me in the right direction when I may have strayed off the path but have also been those pillars of cultural strength I have needed at times. Not being from this country, I am always respectful of that.
Inspirations and ideas you're working on for 2014?
More storytelling! We have so many stories to tell and these days, so many means of sharing them here and around the world. I am constantly inspired by our young people and I am excited to see where our next generation of Elders lead us into the future.
'Those Days....A Living History Project' will be presented in the QPAC Tunnel from February 18-23 as a free exhibiton.
