Changemakers - Artist talk

Artist talk with Tal Fitzpatrick

Changemakers is an exhibition and workshop first created by the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House to coincide with the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Changemakers features banners created by using mostly upcycled materials. It invites visitors to join in some craftivism and learn more about how various initiatives, including action for economic empowerment, can serve to reduce or prevent violence against women.

Tal Fitzpatrick is an Australian artist, craftivist and researcher. Her textile-based practice is influenced by the work of her paternal grandmother, Australian artist Dawn Fitzpatrick. Tal Fitzpatrick is best known for her work in the field of craftivism and has co-led a number of global craftivism projects tacking social, political and environmental issues including the @Covid19quilt (2020), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Quilt Project (2016-2018) and the PM Please Quilt Project (2017).

Fitzpatrick’s textile-based practise combines the physical techniques of applique, quilting and embroidery with the practice of socially-engaged art making and digital tools including social media. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA).