To mark the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence, the National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG), in partnership with the National Archives of Australia (NAA), proudly presents Wok bung wantaim (working together), an independence photographic exhibition opening on 16 September 2025 in the Bernard Narokobi Gallery.
Wok bung wantaim features 30 archival photographs from the NAA’s collection, capturing the spirit of independence celebrations and the path that led to it. The exhibition is a tribute to the architects of independence and the people of Papua New Guinea.
This exhibition is part of the Yumi Stap Wantaim campaign (we stand together), Australia’s contribution to celebrating Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence, honouring the close and enduring partnership between the two countries.
The photographs were jointly selected during a curatorial workshop with the NAA in May 2025, involving representatives from NMAG, the National Broadcasting Corporation, the Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies, the Office of Libraries and Archives. This collaborative process reflects the exhibition’s title—working together—and shared memory.
Quote attributable to the National Museum and Art Gallery’s Acting Chief Curator, Dr Gregory Bablis:
“We are pleased to be opening the Wok bung Wantaim exhibition which honours not only the architects of independence, but the everyday people whose spirit and stories carried Papua New Guinea forward.”
Quote attributable to the National Archives of Australia’s Curator of Public Programs, Dr Anna Edmundson:
“The exhibition celebrates the people, places, and moments that shaped Papua New Guinea's independence. It’s also a testament to the power of collaboration across institutions and borders.”
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For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100