If you frequently kick it around the Potts Point area, you’re probably aware of Jo Holder’s exquisite, independent art gallery The Cross Art Projects.
The galleries latest exhibition, Re/construction, is a tribute to the legacy of the late union leader and environmental activist, Jack Mundey and his work on the Green Bans.
Mundey carved out his legacy in the 1970s when he lead the New South Wales Builders’ Labourers Federation in enacting the historic green bans. A campaign that aimed to combat unequal planning and heritage destruction and champion affordable public housing.
His work on the green bans played an imperative role in saving the soul of the city from demolition to make way for shoddy property developments and motorways. Guaranteeing that the beloved heritage suburbs of Darlinghurst, Glebe, The Rocks and Woolloomoolloo remained intact.
The BLF assisted in bringing one of the first Aboriginal Land Rights claims to Australia. The union banned development on ‘empty’ homes in Redfern, where First Nations people lived. The obstruction of development resulted in the co-operative Redfern Aboriginal Community Housing Scheme. The BLF went on to fight for employment for women, gay rights and issues surrounding racism.
Re/construction pays homage to a true radical. Artists, union members, community groups and curators have joined forces to pay tribute to Jack’s legacy. In a time where Kings Cross is under attack from developers, it’s never felt more necessary.
“Re/construction traces some of the complex network of economic and social campaigns that forged the Australian ‘New Left’ through texts, slogans and songs from unofficial archives at Sydney Trades Hall where he donated papers and other ephemera to the Collection. At The Cross Art Projects Re/construction arcs from Marion Marrison’s 1975 photographs to recent green ban campaigns: Save Willow Grove at Parramatta and Save Kings Cross.”
Re/construction: Jack Mundey & the Green Bans
31 October to 21 November 2020
The Cross Art Projects
8 Llankelly Place
Kings Cross
Sydney
2011
