Her Place

Plans were announced today for a campaign to establish HER PLACE, the first women's museum in an Australian capital city, in Melbourne.

It will be Australia's only major museum dedicated solely to women, who are currently under-represented in museums across the country.

As a precursor to a permanent museum, a three week HER PLACE Pop Up Exhibition showcasing the contributions of nine trailblazing women to Australia's social, cultural and economic story has opened at Melbourne Town Hall.

Women honoured in it include Australia's first female commercial pilot, Deborah Lawrie, nurse war hero Vivian Bullwinkel; business activist for homeless and 'at risk" young people, Rebecca Scott, and highly awarded Australian film editor, Jill Bilcock.

In addition to the profiled women, a program of public talks, audience surveys and interactive displays will give visitors the ability to share their ideas for a future HER PLACE Women's Museum, as well as sign-up to be part of its future. Her Place Board Chair Mary Stuart said that the exhibit is a tribute to many unsung heroes in our midst who have helped pioneer pathways for other women. 'Our goal is to build a quality permanent museum that will herald and display the collective history of women. To do this we need financial donations and are encouraged by the wide community support that we have received to date for the idea. 'The countless achievements and contributions women have made in shaping Victoria and Australia have been left out of the historical narrative. We are committed to ensuring that future generations will recognise the tremendous value women bring to our society.

'HER PLACE will honour women, inspire girls and will educate everyone," said Ms Stuart.

The plan is for HER PLACE to be a space to tell the story of Australia's women: pioneers, indigenous people and migrants, from all walks of life, past and present. It will be both a physical and online 'gallery" space, with travelling shows for rural audiences, interactive exhibits, an education program and a retail outlet.

Overseas experience shows that women's museums play a valuable role in affirming female solidarity and women's rights and are important for women's education, empowerment and self-confidence.

In addition to the nine profiled women a program of public talks will explore topical issues affecting women of all ages, including feminism today, the impact of family violence and women in sport.

The free Pop-Up Exhibition will be open 10am to 5pm daily from 16 May to 3 June 2016, at the Town Hall Room - Melbourne Town Hall.

The Exhibition will be officially launched by the Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, the Honourable Fiona Richardson, on Monday evening, May 16. The project is supported by the City of Melbourne 2016 Arts Grants Program.