4th International Women in Museums Congress; Alice Springs, 18-21 May 2012 History was created in Alice Springs on Sunday 20 May when museum women from Germany, Italy, Vietnam, Norway, Austria, China and Australia met at the 4th International Congress of Women’s Museums in Alice Springs. They were joined during congress sessions and social events by interstate museum women (Powerhouse Museum and History SA) and several locals representing Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory, National Trust, National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame, and Lhere Artepe, as well as interested individuals. The current global economic situation restricted attendance, but many messages of support were received from Germany, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica, Argentina, Switzerland, Sudan and Korea. Hosted by the National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame at the Museum of Central Australia, network members met to share the aims and exhibitions of their museums and to decide on the future of the network. Following considerable research by European representatives, the statutes of the new organization were finalized in preparation for its incorporation in Austria. A non-profit association, ‘The International Association of Women’s Museums’ will become a reality when the legalities of incorporating an international organization are completed. Women’s museums will become full members of the new organization, with affiliate membership being available to other museums and individual museum women. The National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame is unique in its recognition of the achievements of Australian women and the only Australian women’s museum which has taken part in the network. While in Alice Springs, participants were guests at a Mayoral Reception, toured significant Aboriginal women’s sites, visited local museums and galleries, fed the wallabies, and were treated to a taste of local food and entertainment. They were all impressed with the program and obviously enjoyed their short time in Alice Springs. Many of the visitors toured other Central Australian attractions before returning to their home countries and states. The next Congress will be held in Xian, China in 2014. Helen Joraslafsky Manager National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame Inc
4th International Women in Museums Network Congress, Alice Springs, 18-21 May 2012 Participants pose in front of Little Sisters Hill, Araluen Precinct. Back row: Qu Yajun (China), Van Nguyen & Hang Duong (Vietnam), Stephania Pitscheider (Austria). Mona Holm (Norway), Beatrix Dalsass (Italy), Helen Joraslafsky (NPWHF) Front row: Catherine King (USA), Bettina Bab (Germany), Kari Jacobsen (Norway), Sigrid Prader (Italy), Pauline Cockrill (HistorySA). Absent: Christina Sumner (Powerhouse Museum, Sydney)
Congress participants enjoyed the ‘Scandalous Crimes’ dinner and performance at the Old Alice Springs Gaol
Lhere Artepe tour of significant Aboriginal women’s sites, Anzac Hill: Barbara Satour (2nd left) explains the stories to Catherine King & Bettina Bab.
Welcome to Country by Pat Miller (Centre) included background on traditional Aboriginal areas in Alice Springs.
Down to business