Cross Cultural Studies

Section

The Cross Cultural Studies Section was established in 1994. Its brief is to promote cross-cultural understanding and to document and interpret the cultural diversity of Queensland through research, collecting and exhibition. These activities are grounded in the fact that there is an immigration and settlement experience in the life or family history of all non-indigenous Australians. This experience is one that has shaped Australian society, its institutions and culture. The section also covers the major themes in Queensland's sporting history.

Our current work

The Cross-Cultural Studies Section undertakes an active oral history program to ensure that the historical, social and cultural context for the collection can be further explored through personal accounts wherever possible, as well as photographing activities and events as primary historical evidence. Current research focusses on a variety of projects: from the ways migrants from non-English speaking backgrounds have lived in Queensland. Their contribution to industry and commerce, to how the sharing of their traditions, customs, food, arts and crafts continues to enrich our local culture; and the interpretation of the sporting collection through themes relevant to Queensland's swimming history with an emphasis on the participation of women. All our research projects have at their core the concept of collaboration; as partnerships, formal or informal, with different community groups or with individuals.

Significance

Cultural diversity in Australia is valued as a source of strength and pride. Our research results in this field illustrate the benefits of tolerance in creating a more peaceful, creative and secure 21st century for the people of Queensland. Australia's environment favours sport and sport has shaped our social identity. Our research results in this field demonstrate how Queensland women have, over the years, overcome obstacles to produce many world-class champions, as well as a strong and active sporting base at the local level.

Guide to the collections

The collection of over 6,500 items includes objects, documents, photographs and oral histories relating to individuals, families and communities from a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds, and from different sporting backgrounds. Highlights of the collection include: household items and shop stock belonging to the family of Tai Mun Lum, who operated the Toowoomba-based Kwang Sang retail business established by his father in 1883; and sporting memorabilia relating to the 1928 Olympic Games and the involvement in these Games by two Queensland swimming families - the Springfields and the Griers.