Towards 2026: Ideas for objects and themes for exhibition on Menang Country, Museum of the Great Southern, Albany, Western Australia

This brief report results from work done by a team of researchers from Deakin University who were awarded a Western Australian Museum (WAM) Foundation Fellowship to consider ideas, objects and issues that could help WAM work with local communities to plan activities in and around the date of 2026, the Bicentenary of British colonisation at Albany. Recommendations included that 1. WAM uses this report to initiate ongoing discussion and collaboration with Menang people about their aspirations for 2026. 2. WAM continues the cross-disciplinary research agenda on collections in the lead up to the anniversaries in Albany in 2026 and Perth in 2029. 3. WAM investigates sources of funding to commission new works for the collection that reflect contemporary Aboriginal Menang life. (This might be cultural objects made by contemporary makers of artist commissions or artworks that reflect on Menang and Albany history). 4. WAM uses the approach and sources outlined in this report to develop collaboratively with Menang people and local, national and global organisations, a digital resource or exhibition - 'Travelling Country' - to be hosted by WAM.