East Coast Encounter explores the phenomenon of first contact from the time of Cook’s mapping of the east coast of Australia, and how these encounters resonate with Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, writers and songwriters today. Cook’s voyage in 1770 has become central to narratives of Australian history and there are aspects of this seminal journey that continue to resonate powerfully today.

This exhibition seeks to promote cultural dialogue and reconciliatory understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Artists include: Bianca Beetson, Michael Cook, Euan Macleod,Arone Meeks, Reg Mombassa and Judy Watson.