Progress Shark

  • Category
    At the Museum
  • Published
    09 February 2023
  • Read time
    2 minutes

As part of Sydney WorldPride’s Rainbow City, we have transformed our iconic shark statue in support and recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community, with the help of Sydney artist George Buchanan. Located at the entry to the Museum on College Street and overlooking William Street, Progress Shark pays tribute to the trailblazers of the first Mardi Gras Parade, then called “Day of International Gay Solidarity”, which took place in Sydney in 1978.

Progress Shark - World Pride Feb 2023
As part of Sydney WorldPride’s Rainbow City, the Australian Museum transformed our iconic shark statue in support and recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community, with the help of Sydney artist George Buchanan. Image: Abram Powell
© Australian Museum

Today the Australian Museum stands in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and prides itself on being a place where everyone can explore the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific.

Rainbow City is an initiative by Sydney WorldPride to transform Greater Sydney into a rainbow wonderland to celebrate the festival. Over Sydney WorldPride, 45 free public artworks will be unveiled to mark 45 years of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Progress Shark - World Pride Feb 2023
As part of Sydney WorldPride’s Rainbow City, the Australian Museum transformed our iconic shark statue in support and recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community, with the help of Sydney artist George Buchanan. Image: Megan Lawrence
© Australian Museum

To see the full line-up of rainbow monuments visit sydneyworldpride.com/rainbow-city/. Sydney WorldPride runs from Friday 17 February and until Sunday 5 March.