World-renowned children’s exhibition comes to Central Queensland for the first time

By Priscilla Roberts

Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE) in partnership with CQUniversity will share the internationally celebrated Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material exhibition, offering Central Queensland communities a rare opportunity to engage with one of the world’s most influential approaches to early childhood education.

Sharing research directly from the Municipal infant toddler centres and preschools of Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy, the exhibition showcases the powerful expressive languages of children and their capacity to create meaning through mark-making, drawing and narration. 

The Exhibition will be on display at CQUniversity Rockhampton North campus, Building 83, Level 1, from 10–26 October 2025.

Rockhampton is the only regional Australian city to host the exhibition, which has previously been viewed in major centres such as Adelaide and Sydney. 

The exhibition comes to Central Queensland thanks to a collaboration between CQUniversity and the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE) – the invited reference point in Australia for Reggio Children.

According to Heather Conroy, REAIE Board Member, the event highlights the international significance of the Reggio Emilia Approach.

“Reggio Emilia is recognised across the world as an innovative approach to education that honours the hundred languages of children – their multiple ways of expressing, exploring and making sense of the world,” she explained.

“This is a fabulous opportunity for our regional community,” said Associate Professor Gillian Busch, Head of Early Childhood Education at CQUniversity. 

“Visitors will be able to explore materials, engage hands-on with graphic tools and surfaces, and deepen their understanding of how drawing and narration support meaning-making in children.

“The exhibition also reflects CQUniversity’s commitment to inclusiveness, access and recognising children’s rights and competencies.”

Alongside the exhibition’s free guided visits (bookings required), REAIE will host a series of professional learning sessions for educators, students and interested community members. 

These include intensive masterclasses with Atelieriste from the REAIE Network, as well as interactive workshops facilitated by local educators.

“Bringing this exhibition to Rockhampton means families, teachers and community members in a regional context can access an extraordinary global learning experience.”

The exhibition aligns closely with CQUniversity’s vision to expand access to world-class opportunities for all, regardless of background or location.

For bookings and information, visit: https://reggioaustralia.org.au/mosaic-of-marks-exhibition-rockhampton/.