Released 03/02/2023
A new art exhibition dedicated to the tireless work and commitment of workers on the frontlines of the ACT COVID-19 response has officially opened today, providing a glimpse of their service to the community at the height of the pandemic.
Stronger Together – Artists’ perspectives on the ACT COVID-19 frontline health response captures a series of snapshots and experiences from those working in the vaccination and testing centres, as well as the voices of contact tracers, epidemiologists and others supporting the COVID-19 response.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the work of these dedicated clinical and operational staff, amongst many others, was pivotal to keeping the community safe and strong.
“The COVID-19 pandemic was an event unlike any other our community has experienced. The enormity of what we achieved together is something all Canberrans should be proud of, and I’m pleased some of these moments have been captured for others to experience and reflect on,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“For a small jurisdiction like the ACT to reach world leading COVID-19 vaccination rates, maintain an efficient and ongoing testing program at the height of demand, and have our contact tracing program adopted by international health departments in Germany, Canada, the European Union and Mediterranean, is a testament to those remarkable, unsung heroes working in our health agencies.”
A partnership between Canberra Health Services and Canberra Museum and Gallery, Stronger Together presents the photographs of Marzena Wasikowska and Dion Georgopoulos, and the watercolours of Waratah Lahy, capturing a series of poignant moments at testing and vaccination centres.
In addition, sound artist Ellis Hutch, through an artsACT creative residency in ACT Health, has brought the experience of contact tracers, epidemiologists and others in the COVID-19 response to life through an audio-visual installation.
“This exhibition is one way we can specifically acknowledge and offer our deepest thanks to those health workers on the COVID-19 frontline, who served the community in our vaccination and testing centres with such commitment, or who worked the phones and analysed data, tracing the spread of the virus, often remaining nameless and faceless to the public.
“I would also like to thank the Canberra community for their strong sense of responsibility and public spirit to get tested and vaccinated. Your contribution to the COVID-19 response demonstrates that we truly are ‘stronger together’.”
Quotes attributable to Gordon Ramsay, Chief Executive Officer of the Cultural Facilities Corporation:
“Canberra Museum and Gallery is honoured to partner with Canberra Health Services in hosting the Stronger Together exhibition to document and celebrate the work of our healthcare workers during Canberra’s Covid-19 response. It highlights the importance of the arts and artists in capturing our community’s experiences and values, as well as the role of our cultural institutions in supporting the wellbeing of Canberrans.”
Stronger Together will be on display to the public at Canberra Museum and Gallery from 4 February to 30 July 2023. Entry to the exhibition is free. For more information, including opening hours, visit www.cmag.com.au
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Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases