POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

'Aussie' poster designed by Peter Drew

Object No. 2016/47/1

This poster is part of an awareness raising campaign, 'Real Aussies say welcome' started by Adelaide street artist, Peter Drew. It features an image of Monga Khan with the word 'Aussie' underneath. Monga Khan was one of thousands of people who applied for exemption to the White Australia Policy in the 1920s. Khan was one of many cameleers, hawkers and other traders that were granted exemptions because their work was essential to Australian's growing economy. For 70 years they played a crucial role. The placing of posters in public spaces is Drew's way of drawing attention to Australia's immigration issues and a direct response to the Australian government's 'Stop the Boats' campaign. Peter Drew's campaigns have informed peoples' attitude to Australian identity, migration, difference and created nationwide community involvement and comment. Peter Drew's work continues the role of artists as activists, and in this case quite uniquely using social media to successfully fund and advertise his campaigns as well as evoking community responses. Drew has also used a highly successful social media campaign encouraging Australians to post images of their interaction with the posters through Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Anni Turnbull Curator, 2016