2026 Exhibition Program

Albany Town Hall GallerIES

BINALUP, MENANG | First light, first people

Portrait Exhibition – Menang Elder Carol Pettersen and portrait photographer Nic Duncan
26 June - 26 July | Albany Town Hall 

A Menang-led collaboration between Elders and award-winning portrait photographer Nic Duncan, this exhibition features a series of 29 portraits of Elders and other key Menang people, shining a light on their contributions to the Menang community and the wider Albany community.

Interviews with each featured Elder were recorded, with captions drawn from those conversations accompanying the portraits to share their stories, achievements, and contributions to the region.

Menang Elder, Aunty Carol Pettersen says the project “highlights the contributions of our First Nations people in shaping the community we have today, telling our story in a way that builds pride and confidence in our youth while fostering mutual respect and collaboration.” Uncle Lester Coyne adds, “Many of our Elders are ‘quiet achievers,’ so this is a wonderful way to recognize them publicly.”

This meaningful project will leave a lasting legacy, ensuring the images and stories of the Menang people are recognised, celebrated, and shared with future generations.

The exhibition also includes nine additional portraits of Elders which Nic was commissioned to photograph for NAIDOC Week in 2023.

Nic has been a finalist three times in the National Photographic Portrait Prize and WA AIPP Professional Portrait Photographer of the Year.

Panel Discussion:
Saturday 4 July, 10.30am – Albany Town Hall
Join a panel discussion including the artist, Nic Duncan and Elder Carol Pettersen.
Please rsvp, as spaces are limited https://albany-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_a3ee75b17ea241a18caa383a68c48f9b

Art Conversation
Wed 8 July, 2.30pm – Albany Town Hall
Join us in the Albany Town Hall gallery for a conversation that turns the lens towards photographic portraiture, discussing the work of WA Professional Portrait Photographer of the Year, and three times National Photographic Portrait Prize finalist, Nic Duncan and her collaboration with Menang Elders.
Please rsvp, as spaces are limited https://albany-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ArtConversation2026-MenangPortraitProject2026NicDuncan

Exhibition: 26 June - 26 July 
Albany Town Hall 
217 York St, Albany 
Open Tue - Sat 10-5pm