Momentum 2021

Feb 9

Moment – a point of time; the turning effect of a force
Momentum – mass in motion

On 15th March 2021, thousands demonstrated in shared rage and frustration at the diabolical state of gender relations in our nation. March4Justice was a rare moment but how do we turn this moment into momentum? Why is inertia so powerful in this space, what are the forces sustaining inequality, and who or what is going to change them? And why did it take gender inequality striking at the heart of White middle Australia before our institutions sat up and took notice?

Three conversations tackle this from differing perspectives alongside performances reflecting the power of the arts to effect. Enjoy these recordings from our three events that took place during Brisbane Festival, September 2021.

Women Who Dare

The ‘Women Who Dare’ exhibition and workshop program at Adderton highlights 160 years of pioneering work by the Sisters of Mercy, Brisbane - leading and championing social reform to improve the lives of those in need…

Taking inspiration from this work, hear from contemporary change makers in a conversation celebrating their contributions and looking at the different pathways, tools and experiences they are using to build momentum and make lasting cultural and social change including Janine Hendry who harnessed the energy for the 2021 March4Justice, Chair of GetUp Carla McGrath and one of the founders of the 'Home to Bilo' campaign on behalf of the Murugappan family Angela Fredericks. in a conversation facilitated by ABC Brisbane presenter Kelly Higgins-Devine.

Women Who Dare was recorded live on Saturday 4 September 2021 at Adderton, as part of WOW Australia’s Brisbane Festival series ‘Momentum’.

First Nations First

It’s Spring 2031 and communities are thriving. People are safe in homes, streets, and workplaces. Country is in balance hearing its languages, feeling its peoples’ footsteps. Everyone is equal regardless of gender. How did we get here?

Join Dr Jackie Huggins AM FAHA, Treaty Working Group Co-Chair, First Nations leader and esteemed academic, Dr. Mary Graham, and June Oscar AO, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner in a conversation led by Associate Professor Sandra Phillips, UQ Associate Dean (Indigenous Engagement).

This conversation concludes with a creative response from award-winning Wiradjuri Biripi writer Raelee Lancaster. Through her work, Raelee hopes to promote empathy, listening, and laughter.

First Nations First was recorded live on Thursday 16 September 2021 at QPAC, as part of WOW Australia’s Brisbane Festival series ‘Momentum’.

The Making of Men

As every parent will attest, somewhere along the way, loving little boys, learn a whole set of rules about what it takes to be a man – often with disastrous consequences for themselves, their loved ones, and their communities. How can we overturn this cultural pressure and tradition, and raise men who are happy, emotionally secure, capable of love and tears? Bystander trainer Michael Jeh, leads this conversation with men making this change including Men4Respect Coordinator for YFS Andrew Taukolo and newly appointed MATE Ambassador Rhys Carroll.

This conversation takes place following a performance of This Ain’t No Pussy Show by The Farm and the panel are joined by writer/director Gavin Webber and performer/collaborator Toby Angus. WOW Australia was a supporter for the development of this work by Queensland Company The Farm.