In their own image: Greek-Australians National Project - engaging and linking communities

'In Their Own Image: Greek-Australians' National Project was established 20 years ago by photographer Effy Alexakis, and historian Leonard Janiszewski. We are researching and documenting the Greek-Australian historical and contemporary presence both nationally and internationally - books, research articles, multimedia displays, successful international touring exhibitions and a documentary for television, have resulted. In 2001, the project became an associate of the Australian History Museum at Macquarie University. We provide lectures, photographic exhibitions and workshops both within the University and as an outreach activity, as well as maintaining our on-going research. That the Australian History Museum has incorporated our project within the University is both unique and significant. Projects dealing with ethnic groups have tended to be marginalized, but our current situation facilitates the mainstreaming of such research and recognition of the cultural and ethnic diversity and hybridity of Australia's past. The project acts as a conduit between the Museum, the University and Greek-Australians, and then engages the broader community through the activities arising from the research relationship. Our current research project - "American Beauties" at the Niagara Café - which will result in the production of a major book and touring exhibition, provides an excellent example of this process and how such a relationship can successfully provide previously untapped documentation and material to university museums and collections.