The ‘One In, All In’ exhibition of Aboriginal Vietnam Veterans has been described as both moving and impressive by the Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Mr Tony Piccolo MP.
Having met with Vietnam Veterans and members of Country Arts SA – including indigenous veteran Corporal Gordon Joseph Franklin – Mr Piccolo was impressed by the quality of the art installations at the Port Augusta Cultural Centre.
“The art works are immediately visually striking and impressive. The quality of the artists’ skills is obvious,” Mr Piccolo said.
“But the stories conveyed through the installations is also apparent and important.”
The exhibition is the culmination of a project which linked Aboriginal artists with Aboriginal Vietnam War veterans, to visually highlight and acknowledge aspects of their service experience before, during and after the Vietnam War.
Mr Piccolo emphasised the importance of acknowledging and commemorating indigenous war service.
“The sacrifices made by all those who serve should be appropriately acknowledged and commemorated,” Mr Piccolo said.
“Unfortunately for Aboriginal and Vietnam War Veterans this has not always been done. This art exhibition contributes to telling their stories and acknowledging their service.”
The exhibition will be featured at the Port Augusta Cultural Centre from 5 August until 14 September 2019, having already been displayed at the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute in Adelaide and in Port Lincoln.
Mr Piccolo hopes to attract the exhibition to his own electorate in Gawler in 2020.