WMC: Unrefined - A conversation about art, activism and WMC

A conversation about art, activism and WMC with Chris McBride, Mary Ellen O'Connor and Katherine Baxter — in collaboration with the Refinery ArtSpace.

Over two decades (1978–1998), the work of the Wellington Media Collective (WMC) addressed a broad range of social issues across Aotearoa/New Zealand. Under the banner “We Will Work With You, Not For You”, the cooperative of graphic designers, printers, photographers and friends shared their skills in graphic design and communication with trade unions, political and community groups, artists and individuals across a spectrum of cultural issues and campaigns for social justice. WMC was involved in all the major social, political and cultural movements of the era, including the fight for a nuclear free New Zealand, tino rangatiratanga, women’s rights, employment issues and an end to apartheid.

In collaboration with the Refinery ArtSpace

EXHIBITION
WMC: Unrefined
Curated by Philip Kelly and Chris McBride

Selected retrospective exhibition examining the politics of style implicit in the Wellington Media Collective’s substantial body of work. Political activism woven with cultural history and art.

Refinery ArtSpace, 13 October to 7 November
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 10am to 5pm, Sat 11am to 2pm

Poster credits (left to right)

Ruaumoko (1991). Design: Philip Kelly. Two colour offset print, 594 x 420. For Tangata Records.
Nuclear Free and Independent Aotearoa Tour (1985). Design: Dave Kent. Five colour screen print, 954 x 668. For New Zealand Students Arts Council and New Zealand University Students Association.
Eritrea. Fighting For Freedom (1982). Design: Chris McBride. Six colour screen print, 698 x 451. For CORSO.