Changemakers: Crafting a difference

4 Feb 2026 - 17 May 2026

Three handmade banners with political slogans

Changemakers: Crafting a difference consists of eight textile banners that represent a range of historical and contemporary activist movements.

Aesthetically, these works draw on the history of textile banners as artefacts used for activism, including the women’s suffrage campaign, as well as banners displayed in town halls and churches.

The exhibition demonstrates that Australian women’s quest for freedom and equality is ongoing. Many of the social issues raised by early activists remain vitally relevant today, including equal pay, sexual harassment, family violence, and female representation in Parliament and business.

Changemakers focuses on women’s empowerment and demonstrates that crafting — traditionally considered ‘women’s work’ — can be used for political expression and social change.

The Changemaker banners were created by a young Australian craftivist, Tal Fitzpatrick, using mostly upcycled materials.

Changemakers is an exhibition produced by the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House.

Free - no bookings required. All ages.

Image credit: Tal Fitzpatrick. Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House.

The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.