Acclaimed 'On Country' photographic exhibition set for Australian return

By Tim Levy | 30 September 2026
Michael Cook, Majority Rule (Parliament), 2014, from the series ‘Majority Rule’. Courtesy of the artist and Jan Murphy Gallery, Meanjin/Brisbane. Museums Victoria (supplied)
Michael Cook, Majority Rule (Parliament), 2014, from the series ‘Majority Rule’.
Courtesy of the artist and Jan Murphy Gallery, Meanjin/Brisbane. Museums Victoria (supplied)

Following its international debut at the Rencontres d'Arles in France, the major photographic exhibition On Country: Photography from Australia is set to open at Melbourne's Immigration Museum on Friday, 16 October 2026.

Running until Sunday, 13 June 2027, the showcase features the work of 17 contemporary artists and collectives from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous backgrounds. Originally developed and produced by PHOTO Australia and co-produced by the Rencontres d'Arles, the exhibition was curated by Brendan McCleary, Pippa Milne, Elias Redstone, and Dr Moulton.

Liss Fenwick, Nuptial flight, Humpty Doo, Larrakia Wulna country, from the series 'Humpty Doom', 2015-2023. Courtesy of the artist. Museums Victoria (supplied)
Liss Fenwick, Nuptial flight, Humpty Doo, Larrakia Wulna country, from the series 'Humpty Doom', 2015-2023. Courtesy of the artist. Museums Victoria (supplied)

Through their lenses, artists from a variety of cultural backgrounds collaborate with Country, exploring profound stories of culture, movement, and identity.

The Immigration Museum serves as a fitting home for this important collection, continuing its legacy as a space dedicated to sharing the complex narratives of Australian life.

To mark the opening weekend, a special Curators' Tour will be held on Saturday, 17 October.

Tony Albert and David Charles Collins, Warakurna Superheroes #1, 2017, from the series ‘Warakurna Superheroes’. Courtesy of Tony Albert, David Charles Collins and Kieran Lawson. Museums Victoria (supplied)
Tony Albert and David Charles Collins, Warakurna Superheroes #1, 2017, from the series ‘Warakurna Superheroes’. Courtesy of Tony Albert, David Charles Collins and Kieran Lawson. Museums Victoria (supplied)

Exhibition Details:

  • What: On Country: Photography from Australia

  • Where: Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne

  • Dates: Friday 16 October 2026 – Sunday 13 June 2027

  • Tickets: Included with general museum entry (Adults $15, Seniors $12, Concession and Children 16 and under free)

You can find out more on the Immigration Museum website.