Engaging the convict legacy: Art's role as a means of understanding

Abstract

Based on the heritage sites that form part of Australia’s convict legacy, focusing mainly within Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania), this project explores ways in which the economic, social and cultural context of the transportation experience can be communicated to the 21st century visitors to the various sites. The importance of art in mediating site in the service of history will be demonstrated through the conception and curation of a major installation work inviting international participation. Behind the practice--‐led investigation lies research into possible interpretative and art installation strategies for specific sites: some of the strategies have been initiated in the course of this project, while others remain as suggestions for consideration in future contexts.