Becoming Home: Stories of Chinese-Australians

Background The research was informed by Maura Reilly’s 'Curatorial Activism' (2017) focusing on curating as a platform for diverse intersectional discourse to promote social change. ‘Becoming Home’ focused on the voices of six Chinese-Australians in Maroondah Fiona Wu, Jenny Zhuang, Jiawen Lin, Leo Ren, Lesley Lowe (nee Cheong) and Paul Cheong who collaborated with Tammy Wong Hulbert (curator), Siying Zhou (artist) and Ai Yamamoto (sound artist) to present an exhibition exploring intergenerational perspectives of Chinese-Australians in Maroondah. The project highlighted the legacy of the Cheong Family, an influential Chinese-Australian family who donated land (in 1952) to form ‘Cheong Park’ and ‘Cheong Wildflower Sanctuary’ with an aim to more publicly recognise Chinese-Australian voices, who make up 20% Maroondah’s population (Australian Census, 2016). Contribution The outcome was an exhibition at ArtSpace centred on the theme 安家 ('an jia' - an ideal home) informing the curatorial framework. The exhibition featured five video portraits filmed in local public parks, an installation of photographic prints of wildflowers suspended from the ceiling and a soundscape reflecting local natural and urban sounds. The two central showcases focused on the archival materials of the Cheong Family, showing their participation in local sports, social life and Chinese-Australian activism. The exhibition presented the diverse perspectives of Chinese-Australians in the community to open up and challenge cultural prejudices often presented in the media. Significance The project generated further awareness about the contributions of the Chinese-Australian community in Maroondah, Melbourne and Victoria. The research of the project will inform the future development of new Cheong Park Pavilion and was featured in a double podcast by ‘SBS Mandarin Radio’. Partners include The Chinese Museum and Chinese Community Social Services.