Based in Tasmania, Chris Downes regularly draws for The Mercury (Hobart). He has also created works for MoAD and for the Lore podcast. Downes works for the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona). He created the book Mona's Ark (2021), a zoological appreciation of art from Mona's collection — which also resulted in a 10-month residency inside the museum Downes won a Stanley Award in 2015.
Our collection captures the ideas, movements, people and events of Australian democracy.
The 1946 referendum led to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme and the beginnings of universal healthcare.
The 1928 referendum asked Australians to change the way finances were managed by the Commonwealth and states.
Australians were asked to pick a song for the national anthem in 1977.
How it works, why it matters and the power of your role in it.
Hear audio descriptions of political cartoons from Behind the Lines exhibitions.
The Museum of Australian Democracy acknowledges Australia's First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We respectfully acknowledge the role that First Nations people continue to play in shaping Australia's democracy. We also acknowledge the Ngunnawal, Ngunawal and Ngambri peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the region in which MoAD is located.
