Tasmania’s Hidden History: Art, power and truth

In the heart of Hobart, a statue once memorialised Sir William Crowther, a former Tasmanian Premier and surgeon. In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and toppling of colonial statues across the world, the statue incited heated community debate due to Crowther’s scandalous treatment of the remains of Tasmanian Aboriginal man, William Lanne. Amid controversy, Hobart City Council decided to remove the statue. The decision was appealed and later upheld by the planning tribunal, but not before the statue was cut down in the middle of the night by anonymous vandals.

The statue and surrounding events raise profound questions about the role of historical representations and art in our public spaces. Why was the statue’s removal deemed necessary, and what does it mean for Tasmania’s relationship with its past? How can we acknowledge our history while connecting with changing values? What role can public spaces play in truth-telling and reconciliation, and what might Australia learn from Hobart’s response?

This discussion isn’t just about a statue; it’s about reckoning with our past and shaping a more inclusive future. Don’t miss your opportunity to join the conversation.

The experts

Cassandra Pybus, Australian historian and writer
Councillor Anna Reynolds, Lord Mayor of Hobart
Professor Greg Lehman, First Nations Tasmanian art historian and writer on Indigenous history, identity and place, University of Tasmania
Leigh Woolley, architect and urbanist, Leigh Woolley Architects + Urban Design, and University of Tasmania
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Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.

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Parking
Free parking is available at the venue.