United in Pink

Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk  

15 October to 9 November 2022

United in Pink brings together local artists and women from Afghan, African, Nepalese and Bhutanese communities to raise awareness for the early detection of breast cancer in Tasmanian migrant communities. 

In September 2020 the United in Pink pilot program was developed in collaboration between the Migrant Resource Centre North and Breast Screen Tasmania, to help refugee women detect and treat breast cancer early.  

As part of the pilot program women from Afghan migrant communities came together to sew scarfs (hijabs), out of pink fabrics.  

One technique featured is the art of Kattak – a traditional form of Afghan embroidery passed down from generation to generation.   

Through the use of this traditional embroidery art, participants were able to rediscover a skill largely left behind since migrating to Tasmania. 

Image: a participant of the United in Pink program constructing part of a garment during a community workshop. 

In 2022, Migrant Resource Centre North received a grant from Arts Tasmania enabling the United In Pink program to continue and expand in offering. 

The new program coordinated by Gabriela Zampini involved local artists Mairi Ward, Mae Finlayson and Phillipa Julien as they engaged with ethnic female groups to create a series of three unique garments. 

With the original 30 pink scarfs from the pilot program used to create the garments on display, this project represents the sharing of knowledge of breast cancer awareness within refugee communities in Tasmania. 

Representing over four major communities in Northern Tasmania, United in Pink is now on display at the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk.