Powerful new exhibition at Koorie Heritage Trust highlights mentoring, cultural connection and wellbeing through the eyes of eight first peoples male artists.
A significant new exhibition is set to shine a light on intergenerational knowledge, resilience and cultural strength when Journey Among Men opens at the Koorie Heritage Trust in August. Developed over two years, the project brought together five emerging First Peoples male artists with three respected elders for deep cultural exchange on Country across Victoria.
The result is a moving collection of new works that explore identity, family, connection and the vital role of cultural practice in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Journey Among Men
- Runs from Saturday 22 August to Sunday 22 November 2026 at Koorie Heritage Trust, Birrarung Building, Fed Square
- Free entry for all visitors
- Features new works by Earl Handy, Mitchil Harding, Cahill Kennedy, Iluka Sax-Williams, Lewis Wandin-Bursill, Mick Harding, Brendan Kennedy and Kevin Williams
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
View this post on Instagram
Through carving, incising, burning and pigment work using materials sourced from Country, the artists have created contemporary cultural belongings that bridge old and new. The exhibition challenges traditional museum approaches by presenting these works as living expressions of culture rather than historical artefacts.
The participating artists include emerging talents Earl Handy, Mitchil Harding, Cahill Kennedy, Iluka Sax-Williams and Lewis Wandin-Bursill, mentored by established artists Mick Harding, Brendan Kennedy and Kevin Williams. Their deeply personal pieces reflect shared experiences of culture, storytelling and healing through time spent together on Country.
Journey Among Men highlights the importance of passing down knowledge between generations and the therapeutic power of creating together. The project also includes an accompanying catalogue and film that document the journey.
Supported by Creative Victoria, Creative Australia and others, this exhibition stands as a testament to the strength of community, cultural continuity and the positive impact of artistic practice on social and emotional wellbeing.
This is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary First Peoples art, cultural storytelling and the ongoing strength of living traditions in Victoria.
For more information on Koorie Heritage Trust and the exhibition, head here.
