Stitch together the stories of our community and explore the rich cultural and artistic tradition of possum skin cloaks, in a special workshop held as part of NAIDOC Week.
Possum skin cloaks are an enduring tradition for many Aboriginal communities, often inscribed with personal and family stories. This workshop is part of NAIDOC Week 2025 celebrations, which honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The session continues the journey that began with the Wrapped in Culture touring exhibition in 2021.
In previous workshops, participants used a pyrography tool to burn personal designs, symbols, or narratives into individual squares of possum skin—each one a unique expression of identity and connection.
In this final workshop, these newly created squares will be sewn together, expanding the communal cloak and deepening the shared narrative it represents. Participants will also have the opportunity to record their reflections during the session.
The completed cloak, along with an audiovisual presentation capturing participants’ thoughts, will be unveiled at the NAIDOC Week morning tea on Sunday 6 July.
NAIDOC Week 2025 marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates the achievements of the past and the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the enduring legacy of our ancestors.
Join us, connect with others, and leave your mark on this growing tapestry of stories.
Workshop dates:
Possum Skin Cloak - Storytelling Workshop 1
Monday 16 June, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston
Possum Skin Cloak - Storytelling Workshop 2
Friday 20 June, 1pm to 3pm
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston
Possum Skin Cloak - Storytelling Workshop 3
Saturday 21 June, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston
Possum Skin Cloak - Stitching It All Together
Monday 23 June, 1pm to 3pm
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston
NAIDOC Week Morning Tea
Join us for our free morning tea celebrating the start of NAIDOC Week and the grand reveal of the newly-expanded Possum Skin Cloak.
NAIDOC Week Morning Tea
Sunday 6 July, 10:30am to 11am
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston
Also—join us for other NAIDOC Week events at QVMAG:
Yarning and Making
Sit, weave, and yarn with friends old and new in this FREE activity celebrating culture, creativity and connection.
Yarning and Making - Day 1
Sunday 6 July, 11am to 1pm
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston
Yarning and Making - Day 2
Monday 7 July, 1pm to 3pm
Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston
Yarning and Making - Day 3
Thursday 10 July, 11am to 1pm
Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston
Yarning and Making - Day 4
Friday 11 July, 1pm to 3pm
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston
Through Someone Else's Eyes with Rod Gardner
Chat with Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Rod Gardner as he moves through QVMAG, using the essence of plein air painting to create a series of sketches and paintings responding to our current exhibitions.
Through Someone Else's Eyes - Day 1
Wednesday 9 July, 11am to 1pm
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston
Through Someone Else's Eyes - Day 2
Saturday 12 July, 11am to 1pm
Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston
Through Someone Else's Eyes - Day 3
Sunday 13 July, 11am to 1pm
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston