Sharing Stories, Holding History: Aboriginal Studies Press is now showing at AIATSIS Central Australia in Mparntwe / Alice Springs. The exhibition showcases 9 deeply personal and culturally significant narratives published by Aboriginal Studies Press (ASP) – the publishing arm of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).

“Our stories are at the heart of our cultural survival,” said Leonard Hill, CEO of AIATSIS. “This exhibition honours the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and artists who have entrusted us with their histories over decades. It’s a celebration of truth, resilience and the power of story to move people and connect generations.”

With a catalogue of over 200 titles, ASP continues to champion First Nations voices. The 9 books selected for the exhibition span regions from Central Australia to Tasmania, Western Australia, and the Torres Strait, reflecting the diversity and richness of First Nations storytelling.

The exhibition brings each of these books to life through a rich tapestry of photographs, videos, paintings, drawings and cultural materials from the AIATSIS collection, reflecting themes of truth-telling, cultural endurance and connection to Country. Each item has been carefully selected to deepen the connection between story and viewer – through image, sound and material memory.

Visitors to the exhibition will encounter:

Nomad girl by Kanakiya Myra Ah Chee, with family photographs and paintings by her brother Peter Tjutjatja Taylor

Paint me Black by Claire Henty-Gebert, with evocative images and video recounting her childhood and the legacy of Croker Island

Milbi: Aboriginal stories from Queensland’s Endeavour River, accompanied by original illustrations and woven artefacts from Far North Queensland

Yawulyu: Art and song in Warlpiri women’s ceremony, given life with ceremonial objects and photographs from Yuendumu and Willowra

Ngirramanujuwal: The art and country of Jimmy Pike, with vibrant screenprints and cultural materials from Western Australia

Steady steady, celebrating the life and music of Henry 'Seaman' Dan from the Torres Strait Islands with film, photography and song

Black pearls, honouring Aboriginal and Islander sporting legends through incredible photography

Luwa tara luwa waypa by Dave mangenner Gough, a children’s book from Tasmania, accompanied by video and educational resources

Stars of Tagai, exploring Torres Strait Islander cosmology through linocut prints and archival photographs.

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this exhibition contains images, voices and names of people who have passed.

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Exhibition details

Title: Sharing Stories, Holding History: Aboriginal Studies Press
Location: AIATSIS Central Australia, 37 Todd Mall, Mparntwe / Alice Springs
Dates: From Friday 29 August 2025

Media enquiries

AIATSIS Media
commsmedia@aiatsis.gov.au