Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins will reimagine the Creative Space at Museum of Brisbane into an interactive and immersive realm, exploring the ancestral story of Warrajamba, the mermaid.
From 28 March to 15 November 2026, Delvene welcomes audiences to slow down and connect with Country and culture through a series of reflective creative activities for visitors of all ages, in the heart of the Museum. As MoB’s newest Artist in Residence, Delvene invites the community to join her on her quest to find Warrajamba—a central figure in her art—as she continues an ongoing search to find the ending of the mermaid’s story.
A proud Quandamooka woman of the Nunukul and Goenpul (Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island) and Ngugi (Mulgumpin/Moreton Island) peoples, Delvene draws her inspiration and guidance from Warrajamba, a significant story passed down through her grandmother Bethel Delaney and mother Evelyn Parkin.
Delvene’s art will feature in the space, including a soaring sculptural work made from natural materials sourced from Minjerribah, such as yungair/yungaire (freshwater reed), talwalpin (beach hibiscus cotton tree) and quampie shells.
Warrajamba, Museum of Brisbane. Delvene Cockatoo-Collins. Photo: Vivid Visual Co.
Museum of Brisbane CEO & Director Zoe Graham said this new Creative Space offers an immersive visitor experience, supporting purposeful exploration and close engagement with the artist and her artistic and design practice.
“Warrajamba is a beguiling story about the past and present that honours the rich heritage of Country, culture and community, and with the mermaid at its heart, invites us to experience the lands and waters of Minjerribah as living heritage,” Ms Graham said.
Within the Creative Space, visitors can take part in free making activities, including crafting mermaid or dugong dolly peg dolls using stamps designed by Delvene—a playful way to engage with the story and the artist’s visual practice.
Throughout 2026, audiences can see Delvene in action as part of her residency and connect with her practice more deeply through community workshops and school holiday activities for children and teens.
“We know visitors will embrace the story of Warrajamba and feel inspired to contribute their own interpretations and reflections,” Ms Graham said.
Weaving together Country, culture and community across land and sea, Museum of Brisbane’s latest Artist in Residence project, Warrajamba, picks up the threads of intergenerational storytelling in an immersive and evolving experience.
Warrajamba at Museum of Brisbane
Warrajamba | Delvene Cockatoo Collins Saturday 28 March – Sunday 15 November 2026
Museum of Brisbane | Level 3, Brisbane City Hall 10am – 5pm daily | Entry is free
MoB’s Artist in Residence program is supported by Tim Fairfax AC. The Creative Space is proudly supported by Major Partner Brisbane Airport and generously supported by Ian and Cass George, and Holly and John Livingstone. Warrajamba is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Related Reads
Anastasia set to enchant Brisbane families at QPAC this September
World Science Festival Brisbane Reveals exciting 2026 Program
