NEWS
Brisbane City Council’s Museum of Brisbane (MoB) is highlighing the enduring history and culture of skateboarding with The Stoke: Skateboarding in Brisbane exhibition now showing until February.
The Stoke manoeuvres behind Brisbane’s tight knit skateboarding fraternity and its camaraderie to chart the city’s historical affinity with skateboarding relevant to the international evolution of the sport. The exhibition features more than 120 boards – many from internationally renowned Brisbane born skateboarders such as Johnny Kwala.
Families and Community Services Chair Councillor Geraldine Knapp said The Stoke exhibition had something for everyone – from museum lovers, pop culture fans, hardcore skateboarders or the uninitiated. “The Stoke takes exhibition visitors on a journey through Brisbane’s own skateboarding culture and explores the intersection of physical and artistic expression that defines the pursuit of skateboarding,” Cr Knapp said.
“The exhibition also reveals an incredible community spirit and camaraderie that unites Brisbane skateboarders of all ages and walks of life,” she said.
The centrepiece of the exhibition will be a replica bowl, inspired by the legendary Moorooka Skate Shed.
“It is believed that Brisbane’s first local skateboarding competition was staged in the carpark of the Mt Gravatt KFC around Christmas 1974. “Since constructing the first public skate facilities in 1988, Brisbane City Council has long supported Brisbane’s tight knit skateboarding fraternity by closely consulting with skaters to construct and maintain the 31 skate parks across the city.”
During the The Stoke’s display period, MoB will host a free program of events including skateboarding parties, movie screenings and workshops at MoB and other key venues around Brisbane.
For further information about MoB visit www.museumofbrisbane.com.au or phone council on 3403 8888.
Top: Brett ‘Badhead’ Ballard at Sunshine Beach pool, 1985. Photograph by and courtesy of Toby Mellonie
Above: David Hoad performs a hippie jump at the Queensland Skate Titles in 1977. Courtesy of David Hoad and Glenn Kidd.
