Author Identifier

Cathy Henkel: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8472-0088

Document Type

Original Creative Work

Publication Title

Spectrum Project Space

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Place of Publication

ECU Galleries

School

School of Arts and Humanities

RAS ID

65867

Comments

Henkel, C. & Lara S. (2021). Conversations around the kitchen table. Spectrum Project Space. ECU Galleries, Mount Lawley, Western Australia.

Please visit www.lauraschoice.org for more information and to join the discussion around Laura’s virtual kitchen table.

Abstract

During the making of ABC documentary series Laura’s Choice (2021), one interviewee remarked that 'changing society begins with conversations around the kitchen table.' To explore this idea further, I worked with co-director of the documentary, Sam Lara, to develop a set of materials for an exhibition entitled, Conversations around the Kitchen Table. The purpose was to create a safe space for community engagement and dialogue associated with death and dying. The exhibition comprised large photographs, artifacts, text quotes and a video of interviews with Laura and inine previously unseen audio-visual works exploring a diverse range of views on death and dying, including a rabbi, an Islamic leader, an indigenous elder, Dr Philip Nitschke, a lawyer and two doctors. Vistors were able to view the materials and then join others around the Kitchen Table using prompt cards to engage in conversations about end of life choices.

Community attitudes to assisted dying and end of life choice are underexplored in academic research, therefore the exhibition offered an innovative and safe approach to this issue. Visitors were able to view the range of stimulus materials and in conversation around a kitchen table using the prompt cards. A survey offered an alternative way for visitors to express their views and contribute to the conversation. The survey findings are being analysed for a SAH research project on attitudes to death and related journal articles.

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