Behind the Lines

Description

Climb aboard the spaceship to Behind the Lines 2022, a travelling exhibition, developed and presented by the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra. Celebrating the art of political cartooning, the exhibition explores all things alien and astronomical that have occurred in politics in Australia and around the world in 2022. It features 98 political cartoons by 34 of Australia’s political cartoonists.

The exhibition theme, Off the Planet, reflects on a year where lockdowns ended and borders opened, and we burst out from our living rooms eager to discover what more was out there. While life was starting to return to some sort of normality, Australians still felt uncertainty.

We faced new challenges with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, skyrocketing interest rates and a cost-of-living crisis. The election saw a new ship’s captain selected and new alien lifeform, the teal independents, made their way into parliament. And we looked to the stars to try to guess what the future holds. All this and more are represented on the walls of Behind the Lines. 

This year’s exhibition features more emerging artists working in non-traditional publications than ever before.

You can also view the exhibition online.

Behind the Lines is a travelling exhibition developed by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, proudly supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.

FAQs

How do I get to the State Library by public transport?

The 'State Library, Art Gallery, Museum' tram-stop is just outside the State Library. There are bus stops close by near the War Memorial on North Terrace. The closest train station is the Adelaide city station on North Terrace.

You can plan your journey via Adelaide Metro.

Is there car parking near the State Library?

The nearest car park is Wilson's Adelaide Central car park, 225 North Terrace, next to David Jones.

There is paid metered street parking along Kintore Ave and Victoria Drive.

Where is the wheelchair and stroller access?

Access to the Spence Wing first floor and the Mortlock Chamber is via the lift in the glass foyer entrance of the library.

There is on-street disabled parking available in the nearby roads. View more information and maps of Adelaide City Council's Disability parking for permit holders.

How do I check if the Mortlock Chamber is open when I plan to visit?

The Mortlock Chamber may close for private events, check our opening hours for any closure times.

When it is open you can visit the Mortlock Chamber on the ground floor to look at the exhibition bays.  The upper levels of the Mortlock Wing include quiet study areas.

Is there a cafe at the State Library?

Yes, the State Library Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and Saturdays from 12 to 4pm.