Guest curated by printmaker and Megalo founder, Alison Alder, Canberra vs the Government: Prints from the archive of Megalo Print Studio that, through the lens of printmaking, reclaims the identity of Canberra beyond its political structures. By drawing on the rich history of Megalo Print Studio's archive, Canberra vs the Government provides an insightful exploration into the medium of print as a tool for describing and building communities both locally and internationally.

With the youth unemployment rate surging to 23.2% for 15-19 year olds and 13.4% for 20-24 year olds in Canberra in 1980, Megalo International Screenprint Collective was born. Canberra, home to around 180,000 people, primarily young families, was suffering and one organisation, Jobless Action, was busy setting up enterprises with the aim of providing spaces for young people to create their own jobs.

Housed in the laundry of a former migrant camp on the flanks of Mt Ainslie, right behind the Australian War Memorial, Megalo started out producing screenprinted posters advertising community events and services, agitating for social change and championing political action.


Showcasing works from the early, and often very raw, screen prints to beautifully sophisticated lithographs, Canberra vs the Government is an exhibition not to be missed.