Andrew Liang and Chloe Bartlett
13 July 2023: The University of Canberra’s Faculty of Arts and Design launched its PLAY ON! exhibition on 11 July to celebrate the rich history of women’s football in the region.
Curated by students under the direction of staff, the exhibition brings together current and former footballers and members of the local Canberra football community for an exploration of the beautiful game, from neighbourhood pitches to the global stage. It sits in a central position on campus, on the upstairs level of the Refectory.
Delivered in collaboration with Capital Football, with contributions from the Canberra community and beyond, the immersive exhibition showcases football memorabilia, historical items, images, stories and more. Various themes offer deeper dives into the early history of women’s football, the remarkable trailblazers fighting for the game, inclusivity in football today, and more.
Interactive displays chronicle the stories, match footage, interviews and more of the women’s game and its community here in Canberra. PLAY ON is a tribute to the past, present and future of women’s football.
“In appreciating the ways that women became empowered on and off the field, and in line with the UC Sport Strategy, we are proud to be hosting this exhibition in partnership with Capital Football,” said University of Canberra Director of Sport Carrie Graf.
“In the lead up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup – a monumental event in Australian sporting history – it’s wonderful that UC students involved in the curation of this exhibition have been able to document the part Canberra has played in the history of the sport.”
Fran Sankey, who is just the second female chairperson of Capital Football, reflected on the importance of the exhibition for recounting the history of women's football.
“I think it’s important to understand who the trailblazers were, who made it possible for young girls and women today,” she said.
The University will also be the home-base for watching the Matildas’ regular round games. The University has partnered with the ACT Government to host live watch parties in the Refectory on 20 and 27 July. Register for the watch parties here.
Heading up the stairs to the PLAY ON exhibition during the halftime breaks will be the perfect entertainment and offer a moment to reflect on part of the football community that underpins our national teams. Anyone can visit PLAY ON, free of charge, between 8.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday until 31 August.
Semi-guided tours (available between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Thursday) offer the full experience and can be booked via the website.
