A free exhibition celebrating the award-winning television series, Cleverman, opens at the Museum of Geraldton, on 3 December 2022.

The exhibition is based on the dystopian sci-fi series that stormed onto ABC TV in 2016, and explores the deep themes of Aboriginal storytelling.

With a predominantly Aboriginal cast and senior crew, the series explores a range of Aboriginal origin stories in a contemporary context with political nuance, touching on themes of class, racism and power.

Museum of Geraldton Acting Regional Manager, Yvette Hollings, said with an immersive combination of video, audio and objects, this exhibition invites visitors to listen and be immersed in a powerful and contemporary expression of Aboriginal origin stories. 

“This exhibition not only explores the making of Cleverman, but the Dreaming stories that underpin it,” Ms Hollings said.

“The exhibition delivers thought-provoking messages while exploring the show’s sets, costumes and props and we look forward to bringing it to the Geraldton community.”

The exhibition has been curated by Cleverman concept creator Ryan Griffen, production designer Jacob Nash and Kat Clarke, together with ACMI.

ACMI Director and CEO Seb Chan said Cleverman’s reimagining of Dreamtime stories in a sci-fi Indigenous future, remains a ground-breaking and inspirational moment in recent Australian television.

“The ACMI team was so excited to work with creator Ryan Griffen to take audiences behind the scenes and into the craft of worldbuilding that has made this series come to life,” Mr Chan said.

“For those new to the series, the exhibition is an open and welcoming invitation into its world and contemporary Indigenous storytelling.”

Museum of Geraldton’s Cleverman exhibition highlights include:

• Audio material, original props and behind the scenes footage from the series
• The Cleverman comic book co-created by Marvel Comics writer Tom Taylor and Cleverman writer Ryan Griffen.
• Broader insights into the life and culture of the Gumbaynggirr (from mid north coast NSW) and Bundjalung (northern NSW).
• The Bindawu Spirit listening space, where visitors hear the key Dreaming stories underpinning the series
• The Hairy Creation story, The Lab and The Zone