The outback city of Broken Hill, located on Wilyakali country, far west NSW, is a city of contrasts. The UNESCO heritage-listed city is the birthplace of unionism in Australia and the world; and it's also the home of the annual Broken Heel festival, a flamboyant celebration of drag culture. Built upon the richest lode of silver, lead and zinc in the world, the once-famous 'Silver City' of mining is today equally well known for the arts.
The city boasts possibly more artists per capita than anywhere else in the nation. From our proud First Nations artists through to the landscape works of the Brushmen of the Bush, Broken Hill's artists have gained a rightful place in art's history and have contributed to the town's reputation as a city of the arts. This exhibition pays homage to their legacy while showcasing the continued development of Broken Hill as an artistic and cultural beacon.
The Art of Broken Hill exhibition displays the vibrancy and diversity of the art and artists living and working in Broken Hill today. The exhibition's eclectic curation stands as a metaphor for the city itself. The contrast of styles, subjects and artistic voices – as well as the contrast of traditional and contemporary – echo Broken Hill's unique personality, the very thing that has inspired the city's generations of artists and craftspeople.
The exhibition is being hosted at Parliament House by the Hon. Ben Franklin, President of the Legislative Council.
How to see the exhibition
Visit the exhibition at NSW Parliament House on weekdays, 9am to 5pm between 4 June and 1 July 2024. Access is to the left of the building via the security gatehouse.
Virtual exhibition