Sharing our City’s stories from behind the lens

Published on 21 December 2025

Council has opened a new exhibition at the Civic Precinct and Community Hub celebrating the City’s rich and diverse photography collection.

The Art of Observation explores how photographers document, construct and interpret the world around them, inviting audiences to consider not just what we see, but how we see. This exhibition considers the photographic artist’s intentions: to objectively record what they see, or alternatively, to construct and imagine new possibilities.

Historic images of Footscray Town Hall, alongside photographs of local landmarks, reveal the city’s formative character, including rare views from the turn of the twentieth century.

Contemporary works include selections from f5 Footscray in Transition (2011–2016), a multi‑artist project capturing ten iconic sites over five years. Additional photographic series explore cultural, social and industrial narratives.

The exhibition explores the camera’s creative possibilities with a spotlight on large-scale, constructed community gatherings in Crowd Theory by Simon Terrill. Visitors can also enjoy a reflective installation honouring Kulin culture by Jody Haines, and Ammar Yonis’ evocative perspective on friendship and migration.

The exhibition is open for self‑guided visits during Civic Precinct and Community Hub opening hours, 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Free curated tours offering deeper insight into the artworks are offered on the first Thursday of each month at 11am.

Council’s Art and Heritage Collection comprises more than 650 works, including paintings, photographs, works on paper, ceramics, sculptures, memorials, monuments and other civic items. Together, these pieces capture the culture, history, environment and people of Maribyrnong, celebrating the City’s identity and fostering a shared sense of belonging.

For more information, and to book your visit, go to The Art of Observation.

Pictured: Ammar Yonis, Salon Gâr 2023, 35mm film photograph on silk, 140 x 157cm

Maribyrnong News

Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to our eNews.