New Children’s Space and exhibitions in 2024
Representing the intersection of Jewish art and culture, the JMA and its exhibitions in 2024 plan to explore what it means to be Jewish in Australia.
The Jewish Museum of Australia: Gandel Centre of Judaica (JMA) reopens to the public on February 29, with two new exhibitions, a refreshed permanent exhibition and a newly installed Children’s Space.
Representing the intersection of Jewish art and culture, the JMA and its exhibitions in 2024 plan to explore what it means to be Jewish in Australia today, reflecting on tradition and heritage, as well as community, creativity and the modern Jewish experience. The 2024 program also hopes to build bridges, counter antisemitism and focus on shared humanity.
On March 17, the JMA will host a free public open day featuring guided and self-guided tours, storytime sessions in different languages (Hebrew, Russian, Yiddish, French, English and Hungarian), a breathwork session, coin collection, pop-up choir featuring Hebrew, Yiddish and English songs, and jewellery making for all ages.
Exhibitions by renowned artists Nina Sanadze and Harry Nankin will be on display from February 29 until early June.
Sanadze draws on the political, the familial – including her own family history in Georgia (former USSR) – and the poetic to examine peace, conflict and humanity. In her installation Hana and Child, Sanadze creates an emotive interpretation of a single black-and-white photograph, while also referencing and subverting iconography of the Madonna and child.
Harry Nankin’s Instructions for Mending the World deals with metamorphosis, repair and redemption, as depicted in a series of photographic films created using images of deep space.
The new Children’s Space will be activated with works that change throughout the year prompted by the various exhibitions. For example, Head to Toes will explore a range of garments and headwear from the JMA’s collection. It will also host programs like JMA Minis and other children-focused activities, educating and inspiring a new generation of culture lovers.
Commenting on the reopening, museum director and CEO Noè Harsel said, “The Jewish Museum of Australia is a place for all people to share in the Australian Jewish experience,” also noting, “It is more important than ever to have a place like the JMA that creates safe spaces for Jewish artists and creatives.”
For more information:
jewishmuseum.com.au
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