Handshake imprints for reconciliation sculpture

Friday, 26 May 2006

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Adelaide, an Elder of the Kaurna people, Government and Reconciliation representatives, University staff and students will literally plaster their hands together at the start of Reconciliation Week as a first step towards a special sculpture to celebrate reconciliation.

The ceremonial handshake, on Monday 29 May at 11.30am to 2pm in Goodman Crescent, North Terrace, will take place between signatories of the University's 2003 Reconciliation Statement, or their representatives, to mark the University of Adelaide's ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

The handshake plaster imprints will form the basis of a Reconciliation Sculpture commissioned by the University from Melbourne-based artists Karen Casey and Darryl Cowie, to be unveiled for Reconciliation Week 2007. Staff, students and members of the community will be invited also to "do a handshake" to show their commitment to reconciliation.

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha said: "Over the past three years, the University of Adelaide has devoted significant time to ensure that reconciliation initiatives permeate throughout teaching and employment within the University. We have also worked towards increasing awareness and understanding within the wider community of the benefits of reconciliation and harmony.

"This sculpture will mark this ongoing process and become a permanent, prominent and physical reminder of the University's commitment to reconciliation."

The official ceremony and handshake will be followed by a barbecue, performance by the University's Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music and community handshakes.

Other events during Reconciliation Week are:
- A Cultural Conversation, 1-2pm Wednesday 31 May in the Barr Smith Library, Ira Raymond Room, 'Reconciliation and the Arts'. Speakers, including sculpture artist Karen Casey, will discuss the way art can bring people together and mark reconciliation endeavours within communities;
- 'Cultural Illumination' in the Barr Smith Library foyer until 23 June 2006: a selection of works by indigenous artists from the University's visual art collection.

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