07 Sept, 2016

The Golden Rule Exhibition arrives at the City Library – a place of possibility

City of Adelaide, in partnership with the Abraham Institute, presents an exhibition focussing on The Golden Rule (Love Thy Neighbour) at the City Library opening on 7 September at 5pm and running until 9 October.

The Abraham Institute is a local multi-faith organisation, seeking to promote dialogue and understanding between faiths. The Golden Rule exhibition features various interpretations of The Golden Rule - Love Thy Neighbour.

The first of its kind in Australia, the exhibition is supported by the Australian Government and City of Adelaide and will be opened by His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia, with City of Adelaide Lord Mayor Martin Haese also speaking at the event.

“The City Library is so much more than a place to borrow books, and exhibitions such as this one really bring people not only into the library but also together. It is a wonderful opportunity to show that the philosophy of the golden rule and loving your neighbour – treating all people with kindness - is common throughout religions,” said Martin.

His Excellency the Governor arrived in South Australia as a refugee and has worked tirelessly for South Australia since his arrival. He has first-hand experience with ‘love thy neighbour’ through his experience arriving in Australia all those years ago.

“It’s pleasing to see so many faiths coming together for this exhibition to celebrate our diversity and our shared values. Here in South Australia we are very proud of our inclusive and understanding society, built upon mutual respect,” His Excellency said.

Featuring artworks, sacred artefacts, videos, and framed scriptures and spiritual writings reflecting on the Golden Rule, artworks from eight religious communities, including Kaurna, Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish and Sikh, will be on display at the exhibition.

Director of the Abraham Institute, Katherine Goode, who has overseen the project, said that The Golden Rule exhibition is one of the highlights of the year for the multicultural community.

"All the artworks in the exhibition have been created by local artists from the eight faith groups. It really is rewarding to see them all coming together for this wonderful exhibition,” said Katherine.

The City Library will host school education sessions between 27 and 29 September presented by educators from each faith, as well as artist talks which are open to the public on September 11 at 2 pm and September 14 at 5:30 pm, where each artist will discuss how their artwork has been influenced by their religious background.

Visitors to the library will also be able to create their own Golden Rule projects, promoting peace and understanding among people from different backgrounds.

Golden Rule projects will feature on the Abraham Institute website and will also be screened on a slide show at the exhibition. The most inspiring and effective project will receive the inaugural Golden Rule Award at the end of the exhibition.

Paula Stevens