The Australian pavilion presents the Australian story through three acts: 'journey', 'discover' and 'enjoy'. Visitors will first take a journey which introduces them to the sights, sounds and stories of Australia through sophisticated and engaging exhibits.
They will then discover through an innovative main show how our cities have become global centres of excellence that demonstrate Australians' ability to respond creatively and effectively to the challenges that are embodied in the Expo theme 'Better City, Better Life'. Finally, our visitors will enjoy an extensive program of contemporary culture and the arts, and sample the flavours of Australia in our third act.
Our first act Journey, comprises five distinct exhibit spaces that illustrate the many facets of Australia and its people. These are: Bedrock, Sisters, Nation, Land and People.
1. Bedrock
Bedrock celebrates and explores Australia's rich Indigenous culture. It is the first exhibit and introduces visitors to a visually stimulating experience of ancient spirits and mythological mermaids. The exhibit combines traditional art with contemporary art, including audio visual and modern materials. The installation pieces and design concept of the project involved Indigenous artists from Maningrida in the Northern Territory.
2. Sisters
"Sisters" consists of a series of short mini-documentaries featuring a broad cross-section of women from Australia and China. These mini-documentaries will be projected onto projection screens and viewed by visitors as they walk through "Act I" of the pavilion. The twin aims of "Sisters" are to highlight the strong and diverse connections between Australia and China, and to explore the common life experiences that link talented women who come from diverse backgrounds. By focusing on the individual stories of pairs of women, and stories of their achievements and aspirations, both personal and professional, it will be possible to engage visitors at a compelling emotional level.
3. Nation
This exhibit depicts the history of Australia in 22 displays over 22.2 metres, from settlement through the next two hundred and twenty-two years to the current day. The 22 moments explores the making of our nation in a light-hearted, funny and typically Australian way and is designed through a number of large-scale illustrations and caricatures.
4. Land
The Land exhibit illustrates where we live, namely cities, through a visual display shaped like a wave which changes morphs from 'stone' and acrylic to steel. There are interesting parallels in urban density and population characteristics between Australia and China.
5. People
Expanding on the Land exhibit, People, exposes the visitor to Australia's multicultural society in defining who we are as a nation. A family of portraits projects the diversity, faces and places of Australia today.