Shivanjani Lal, 2023. Photo: Nicholas Smith.

Sunday 14 May 2023, 10am-1pm  

Shivanjani Lal and Campbelltown Arts Centre invite community to celebrate Lal’s major new artwork ‘Aise Aise Hai (how we remember)’ on Girmit Day.  

Created for ‘The National 4: Australian Art Now’, and drawing on Shivanjani’s Indo-Fijian heritage, ‘Aise Aise Hai (how we remember)’ is a memorial to the physical hardships and cultural upheaval of indentured labour communities of India and Pacific Island nations. Girmit Day acknowledges May 14, 1879 when the first boat transported people from India to Fiji to work as indentured labourers. This continued until 1916 and during this time over 60,000 people were transported. For the first time, Girmit Day will be acknowledged as a national holiday in Fiji in 2023.

Join Shivanjani to celebrate Girmit Day. Participate in a discussion led by Shivanjani and Rādhikā Ram Tevita, Business Manager, Diversity Arts Australia and Board member, PACT Centre for Emerging Artists, about Indentured Labour and Blackbirding in Australia and across Pacific Island nations. The discussion will be followed by lunch catered by Jhatpat Catering. This day will have a strong Indo-Fijian and Pacific community focus, allowing people to gather, listen and share their stories. 

Free with RSVP, register your place below.