MIX06 (Migrant Indigenous Exchange 2006) was a cultural exchange project involving students from the University of Hartford University in the USA and Monash University in Australia. Both Universities are members of the IEN and both agreed to pilot the project as a potential on-going INDIGO activity. The exchange explored the relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous culture within the context of national identity.

Workshops, research, and collaborative teamwork took place in both countries and included indigenous participation. The results were exhibited under the title: One Step Back, Two Steps forward as an Icograda endorsed event.

The aim of MIX06 was to encourage contemporary discourse between indigenous and non-Indigenous designers/collaborators. It was about recognition of and respect for First Nation and Aboriginal culture. The project also attempted to deal with appropriate, ethical and respectful use of Indigenous visual iconography is becoming an important issue around the world - especially when designers are asked to visually represent national identity. This Migrant vs. Indigenous cultural dynamic exists in many countries apart from the USA and Australia countries such as Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Greenland, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, New Guinea, Peru, South Africa, and others.

Hartford and Monash participants of MIX06 USA were asked to revisit their countries cultural identity by creating images that acknowledge indigenous culture as a living culture within contemporary society. The outcomes of MIX06 were exhibited at both Universities:

• 3-20 October 2006, Studio 9 Gallery. Monash University Faculty of Art and Design
• 16-22 February 2007, Silbe Gallery. Hartford Art School, University of Hartford

The IEN would like to acknowledge Icograda Past President Robert L Peters. Robert initiated the exchange between Australia and the United States in his role as a Koopman Distinguished Chair in Visual Arts at the University of Hartford.

Links

• Project website