Opening for the first time at the Old Perth Boys’ School, Once Known showcases reproductions of the fragile artworks created by Aboriginal children forcibly taken from their families and detained at the Carrolup Native Settlement in the 1940s.
Once Known opens as part of the Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival: 4 April – 17 April 2025, weekdays 11:00am – 3:00pm then reopening to the public Monday 28 April.
Lost overseas for more than 50 years, these artworks returned home to Noongar Boodja in 2013, offering a powerful opportunity to share truth and learn about the lived experiences of these children. While hundreds of children were detained at Carrolup, only 17 of the artists have been attributed to works in the collection.
The Once Known exhibition at 139 St Georges Terrace is an exciting opportunity to bring the collection to Boorloo. As a site of colonial education, the Old Perth Boys’ School, serves as a stark reminder of our colonial history, now transformed into a site of truth-telling, knowledge sharing and cultural understanding.
Once Known reminds us that each child had a name, a family and a story. These works stand as a testament to the creativity and resilience of the Carrolup children, offering a glimpse into their enduring connection to Country.
Curtin University is in the progress of building a dedicated gallery space for the Carrolup children’s artworks at John Curtin Gallery so they can be accessible to all throughout the year.
This exhibition is made possible through the support of our Principal Partners Lotterywest, BHP, Colgate University and over 750 supporters who committed to helping share the truth of the Stolen Generations.
Related Events
Once Known: Truth Talks
Programmed as part of Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival
Once Known: Guided Tours
Programmed as part of Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival
Once Known: Curator Tour
Programmed as part of Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware the exhibition and catalogue contains images, voices and names of people who have died as well as information that might be confronting and may cause distress.
More information about the Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling.
Once Known closes over the school holiday period and reopens to the public: 28 April
Opening Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 11:00am – 4:00pm
(closed Wednesdays and Weekends)
Header Image: Once known child artist, The Kill, 1946-50, pastel and charcoal on paper. 27.9 x 38cm.
Once known child artist, Untitled, 1946-50, pastel on paper. 17.7 x 24cm.
Once known child artist, The golden road, 1946-50, pastel on paper. 28 x 38.5cm.
Once known child artist, The dingo danger, 1946-50, pastel on paper. 18.1 x 24.2cm.
The Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup Artworks were generously donated for educational and research purposes by Colgate University, New York, USA to the Curtin University Art Collection, 2013.
