Photographic Exhibition highlights strong Sister City connection

Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery will celebrate our Sister City relationship with Takatsuki by hosting a joint photographic exhibition from February 23 to March 31. Of the 24 works that will be on display in the Toowoomba Takatsuki Photographic Exchange, 12 are from Takatsuki and 12 from Toowoomba.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said the Exhibition shows the diversity and unique perspectives of the artists, highlighting a wide range of photographic styles and content. 

“The exchange provides both Sister Cities with an opportunity to showcase their region, country, and culture through a variety of images, Mayor Antonio said.

“The cultural exchange with our Sister City Takatsuki is very strong with students from Toowoomba Anglican College and Preparatory School (TACAPS Year 3) and Toowoomba Art Society Primary Class displaying canvases at last year’s Takatsuki Art Festival.

 “The Toowoomba-Takatsuki Photographic Exchange began in 2006, when Toowoomba hosted the 15th Anniversary celebration of its relationship with Sister City Takatsuki, Japan. 

“The Takatsuki Kōeisha Photograph Association curated an exhibition to commemorate the event, which was displayed in Toowoomba City Hall. 

“This initial exhibition prompted a yearly photographic exchange, which has become part of Toowoomba’s Sister City programs with Takatsuki, fostering a cultural and artistic dialogue that has deepened the relationship between the two cities.

“Takatsuki Kōeisha Photograph Association and the Toowoomba Photographic Society will jointly present the Toowoomba-Takatsuki Photographic Exchange for the enjoyment of the Toowoomba Region.

Mayor Antonio said our Sister City relationship with Takatsuki stretches back 27 years and during that time we have developed strong ties with the people of the region through Council, community, education, sports and cultural exchanges. 

 “The Sister City program displays our rich traditions on an international stage and encourages our bold ambitions to enrich cultural relationships that will benefit both our communities.

“We look forward to many more years of fruitful exchanges with our Sister City.”

For more information about the Toowoomba Takatsuki Photographic Exchange go to http://www.tr.qld.gov.au/trag

Image Credit: Yoshiko TAKAYA Tanada (terraced paddy fields) in early Summer  2017 Reproduced by kind permission