History

History of 'Rights on Show'

Rights on Show first began in 1995 in the International Year of Tolerance.  The exhibition was conceived as a key awareness-raising campaign in a week-long program of events commemorating Human Rights Week [December 3-10] culminating with International Human Rights Day, December 10.  A community art exhibition was seen as a “more effective, interesting and creative way…rather than a ‘pamphlet table in the mall’ caper.” [DCLS newsletter, April 1996, p2.]

This initial exhibition was called ‘Rights On Show – Human Rights in the Territory’ and was shown at Casuarina Library.  The exhibition was seen as a potent medium in which artists from the Northern Territory could imagine the plight of others less fortunate and explore situation reinforcing the notion that Human Rights are very much a local, everyday concern.

“It can seem an abstract concept, yet our human rights are practical realities of our everyday lives.  They include the right to be treated fairly, without discrimination, and the right to fair treatment by government, police and the judicial system.” [Exhibition flyer, 1995]

DCLS has hosted the exhibition since its inception – such an initiative ties in well with educational and advocacy role of DCLS in relation to a range of Human Rights (disability/aged care/welfare/elderly).

Over the years, DCLS has received support from a number of public and private bodies to hosting the exhibition and awards.  In-kind support, together with cash and gift prizes for different award categories each year, almost exclusively come from Darwin’s legal, arts and general business communities.

Rights on Show has also greatly benefited from the work of many volunteers over the years, including the exhibition’s first (voluntary) curator, Bernadine Denigan, and the voluntary participation of judges and guest speakers for opening night.  There are usually two judges appointed each year.

After modest beginnings at Casuarina Library, Rights On Show moved to the Darwin Enterntainment Centre Gallery for a few years, then to Northern Territory Parliament House Great Hall and finally to the foyer of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory.

The exhibition has consistently attracted entrants representing a wide cross-section of Northern Territory communities; from schoolchildren, adult/elderly artists and groups such as inmates from Northern Territory Correctional Centers.