At Cascades Female Factory, the stories of women help us better understand Australia’s past and the ways history continues to shape the present.
Changemakers extends that conversation beyond the historic site, inviting you to reflect on the challenges that remain and the role women continue to play in shaping society. Through a series of textile banners, the exhibition explores how crafting – traditionally considered ‘women’s work’ – can become a powerful tool for political expression, activism and social change.
Join us at Cascades Female Factory to celebrate activists and their allies who have championed justice and equality.
- Dates: 9 September to 15 November 2026
- Cost: Included with admission to Cascades Female Factory. Daily tours available – book your visit here.
- What to expect: Textile banners by Australian craftivist Tal Fitzpatrick, exploring themes including equal pay, sexual harassment, family violence and female representation in Parliament and business.
FAQs
Changemakers is a travelling exhibition and workshop from the Museum of Australian Democracy that invites you to try your hand at craftivism. The exhibition features eight textile banners created by craftivist Tal Fitzpatrick. Her designs draw upon visual protest traditions such as women’s suffrage campaign banners.
Changemakers explores issues that continue to affect women’s lives today, including equal pay, sexual harassment, family violence, and representation in leadership. This exhibition invites you to reflect on how change happens, who drives it, and why the fight for equality continues.
Changemakers is developed by the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. The banners are created by craftivist Tal Fitzpatrick.
Tal Fitzpatrick is an Australian artist, craftivist and researcher best known for her work in the field of craftivism. She has co-led several global craftivism projects tacking social, political and environmental issues including the @Covid19quilt (2020), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Quilt Project (2016-2018) and the PM Please Quilt Project (2017). Tal’s textile-based practise combine the physical techniques of applique, quilting and embroidery with the practice of socially engaged art making and digital tools including social media. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA).
Changemakers is on display at Cascades Female Factory from 9 September to 15 November 2026.
No. There is no additional charge to view Changemakers. Access to the exhibition is included with your tour ticket. Our tours depart daily – book yours here.
A Woman’s Place
‘Women continue to be underrepresented in positions of leadership within parliament as well as in the private and public sectors. Made using wool suit swatches and men’s ties, this banner proclaims in hand-embroidered cursive that women have a key role to play in all levels of leadership and governance, including in parliament.’
– Tal Fitzpatrick
You Don’t Own Me
‘Historically, women were considered minors or even property. Their possessions, income and children were legally held by their husband, father or other male relative. Until the 1970s, Australian women needed a male guarantor to get a bank loan. This banner’s statement rejects the notion of male control and other systems of inequality.’
– Tal Fitzpatrick
Believe Survivors
‘Most sexual assaults experienced by adults are not reported to police. Some survivors say nothing because they fear not being believed. This banner depicts peace lilies, which symbolise innocence, purity and hope. Peace lilies are often gifted to show sympathy and support for someone going through challenging times.’
– Tal Fitzpatrick
*Tal Fitzpatrick profile banner photo taken by Claudio Kirak, Art-Work Agency, 2023
