SJM presents Sredersas’ story
"I anticipate there will be a keen level of interest from those who want to learn more about the man whose donation of artworks helped establish Wollongong Art Gallery..."
Sydney Jewish Museum’s resident historian Emeritus Professor Konrad Kwiet will present his findings on the life story of Bronius “Bob” Sredersas during an expert lecture at the Wollongong Art Gallery this week.
Sredersas, who donated a significant number of artworks that helped to establish Wollongong Art Gallery’s collection, was found to be a Nazi collaborator after an investigation by Kwiet in 2022. The investigation was commissioned by Wollongong City Council after Michael Samaras raised questions about Sredersas’ life in Lithuania before he migrated to Australia after World War II.
The talk is free and is part of Wollongong Council’s commitment to educate the community about the Holocaust.
“I anticipate there will be a keen level of interest from those who want to learn more about the man whose donation of artworks helped establish Wollongong Art Gallery more than 40 years ago,” Wollongong mayor Gordon Bradbery said.
“Until recently, we’ve had a very different narrative about the life of Mr Sredersas and, following recent findings, we now have a new perspective about this man that we need to consider. To be able to hear directly from Professor Kwiet about his report and findings is an important opportunity and I encourage those with an interest in this matter to come along.
“Professor Kwiet’s findings will provide detail and explain the type and extent of the Nazi collaboration Sredersas could have been involved in and provide context. I have found him to be a very engaging and informative academic.”
Wollongong City Council’s director of community services Kerry Hunt said the council was grateful for the support of the Sydney Jewish Museum and its efforts to support and facilitate Kwiet’s time in Wollongong.
“The process we went through last year, and continue to work through with the advice and guidance of the Sydney Jewish Museum and the Jewish Board of Deputies, was not an easy one. This is a complex matter and we’re very appreciative of the knowledge and expertise they have shared with Council,” Hunt said.
“Council is committed to sharing what we have learnt through this process, and being open and transparent about our new knowledge of the gallery’s benefactor’s past. This talk provides an opportunity to continue that process in an open, constructive and empathetic way.
“We made a promise to our community last year to facilitate learning opportunities and knowledge-building about the Holocaust. This talk, along with an upcoming exhibition titled Courage to Care to be held at the gallery later this year, is us meeting that promise and delivering on our commitment.”
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