State Library of Queensland

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From the ‘burbs, to the bush, to the inner city, Australians are obsessed with the idea of home and the dream of home ownership. Architecture and design enthusiast Tim Ross grew up in the suburbs, and ever since he was 8, when he found himself drawn to a family friends’ very groovy conversation pit, he has been thinking about homes and what makes a good one. In The Australian Dream? Tim Ross casts his discerning eye across the archival treasures of our much-loved public libraries and uncovers the telling images that reveal a multi-decade story of Australian homes – how they’re sold to us, why we buy them, and how we make them our own. Ross explores the reasons why home ownership is such an all-consuming distraction among Australians and uncovers some of the unique and special ways we have built in this place. A funny and factual talk based on 18 months of research, it includes a selection of new cinematic style films produced specially for The Australian Dream? Australia is a nation that is undeniably fixated on property, but increasingly the headlines are about housing scarcity, affordability, and mortgage pain. For many Australians, owning a home now seems like an unattainable dream. So, what can we learn from our past to help solve the problems of the future, and how can we reimagine the Australian Dream? This is Tim Ross doing what he does best: telling human stories anchored by his passion for Australian design, previously showcased in his ABC TV shows Designing A Legacy and Streets Of Your Town. The Australian Dream? is presented by Modernister Shows in partnership with the State Library of Queensland. “Ross has become one of TV’s most persuasive presenters: authentic, congenial, and knowledgeable. He brings with him a moral conscience too…He never misses an opportunity to slip a gag in, or an appropriate defusing one-liner delivered almost by a kind of verbal sleight-of-hand.” The Australian This event is accessible, however please email productionteam@slq.qld.gov.au to reserve accessible seating or for any enquiries.

Explore the history of neon across Queensland. Until 9 Feb 2025.

Recommended for ages 3 – 12 Come and experience a fun and unique way to learn about art, sound and movement. Cultural Collaborations invite everyone to connect to culture and country through painting, playing, and learning together. Start the session by immersing yourself in the contemporary sounds of the didgeridoo, then explore art making through a different medium each day. Cultural Collaborations are a unique duo each bringing their own art form to the workshop. Nikita offers a space to explore Aboriginal art and symbols using natural elements from the earth to paint and yarn. Caleb brings the sound element for healing and dance through the didgeridoo — whether you move your body or sit and relax, the contemporary sounds will transport you as you practice your art. Come once or come back each day for something new! Tue 14 Jan: Lino printing Wed 15 Jan: Clay work Thu 16 Jan: Canvas painting Fri 17 Jan: Intuitive painting Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events. Presented as part of Holiday fun. No booking required for this free activity. Capacity is limited and if full you may be asked to come back to a later session. Privacy information We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.