Don’t Be Too Polite: Posters and Activism

Don’t Be Too Polite was an exhibition of graphic works from three influential Melbourne-based printmaking collectives. Sharing similar concerns with Sister Corita’s Summer of Love, this exhibition considered the agency offered by community printmaking workshops through participation and learning. Focusing on printmaking collectives Redletter Community Workshop Inc. (1977-1991), Another Planet Posters (1985-1991) and Red Planet Inc. (1992-2001), Don’t Be Too Polite reflected on community engagement and concern for the sociopolitical and economic environment of the late twentieth century.

With collaboration at the core of these organisations, access to facilities and a supportive learning environment allowed for the production timely and significant work in response to nuclear testing, shifting social norms, a growing awareness of the environment, immigration and economic and social rights.