At PICA we recognise that we are situated within the unceded lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects and offer our gratitude to Elders past and present, and to those emerging leaders in the community. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the importance of their care and continued connection to culture, community and Country.

Always was, always will be.

Galleries are closed today. Our exhibitions are always free.

Mel Cantwell

Mel Cantwell

Acknowledging a lack of generational respect in contemporary culture for the wisdom of our aged, The Elders Project is intended to offer an opportunity to learn from a variety of individuals about the value of honouring and recognising our elders as a vast intellectual and emotional resource.  Framed by the telling of personal stories in performance, The Elders Project taps into the wisdom, humour and diversity of a group of West Australian senior citizens to offer an intimate audience experience and storytelling encounter that functions like a Q & A, without boundaries.

Audience members will have access to a cast of surrogate grandparents for an hour of dialogue. Directed by Mel Cantwell, The Elders Project features Actor and writer Irma Woods who will host the Q & A exchange. Irma’s dynamic presence and personality will provide a bridge between the audience and the elders.

This development process will involve a series of storytelling workshops for the participants in April, with leading Perth actress Andrea Gibbs. The creative development process will culminate in two intimate showings for invited guests on May 5 at Fremantle Arts Centre and May 6 at PICA.