The Community Curator Project was funded by Create NSW through the Local Government Authority Arts and Cultural Programs stream in 2020.
Ten Community Curators were recruited to locate stories and objects missing or under-represented in the museum collection.
Following training in the essentials of museum practice, Community Curators worked with their communities and networks to identify stories that mattered to them and that they wanted to see in the new museum in Yarrila Place. They then worked with local arts workers such as photographers and filmmakers to document these diverse histories and experiences and create new content. Videos were made, interviews and oral histories recorded and special items were identified and donated to the collection.
Fascinating stories from the Gumbaynggirr, refugee, surfing, alternative health and education communities were revealed.
These stories are now accessible to the community and will enrich and diversify the museum’s exhibitions, public programs and education activities in an ongoing way. Find out more about the Project, and see the end results, in Coffs Collections.
Story by Senior Curator Gallery & Museum, Joanna Besley