Australia prides itself on being the world’s most successful multicultural nation. Politicians frequently invoke ‘multiculturalism’ with enthusiasm, yet the numbers tell a different story: people of colour make up 21% of the population but hold fewer than 3% of leadership positions in business, politics, and the public sector. Diversity is celebrated in rhetoric, but conformity is rewarded in practice. The more one looks, sounds, and behaves like the dominant cultural stereotype, the smoother the path into Australia’s socio-cultural and politico-economic circles.

Made in collaboration with Lorand Golebiowski.

Commissioned by Western Sydney University Galleries / Whitlam Institute.