House debates

Wednesday, 28 February 2018

Statements by Members

Mayo Electorate: Kangaroo Island

1:42 pm

Photo of Rebekha SharkieRebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | | Hansard source

The people in my electorate are incredibly resourceful. If they see an opportunity they grasp it with both hands and run with it. For example, last year Kangaroo Island artists put together a travelling exhibition of their work to give us a glimpse of island life. The Island to Inland exhibition toured regional galleries across South Australia—except Kangaroo Island because there wasn't a suitable venue. In response to the lack of a venue, the artists have launched a crowdfunding campaign to kickstart their vision to build a regional gallery on Kangaroo Island. To do the art museum justice, they need $20,000 for the planning phase. In two weeks they have raised more than $15,000; but they're not there yet. Art makes us feel, it makes us think, it takes us places. I have no doubt that they will reach their target. I urge the people of Australia, particularly the people of South Australia, to visit the group's campaign on the not-for-profit crowdfunding site StartSomeGood. Kangaroo Island's art community is one of Kangaroo Island's best-kept secrets. With its own art museum, this community has the opportunity to make artists as well-known as the island's wild pristine landscape and wonderful produce that the rest of the world comes to enjoy.