Children lead the way as world-renowned exhibitions opens in Rocky

12 October 2025

boy uses paintbrush to make a mark on stone — A young boy uses a paintbrush, water and piece of stone to make a 'mark'

An enthusiastic crowd of educators, families and community members gathered at CQUniversity Rockhampton on Friday night to celebrate the opening of the internationally acclaimed Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material exhibition.

In a fitting nod to the exhibition’s theme, it was children who officially opened the evening – cutting the ribbon to mark the arrival of this world-class showcase in Central Queensland.

Presented by Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE) in partnership with CQUniversity, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity for regional audiences to experience one of the world’s most influential approaches to early childhood education.

Sharing research from the renowned municipal infant-toddler centres and preschools of Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy, Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material celebrates the expressive languages of children and their innate capacity to create meaning through mark-making, drawing and storytelling.

The exhibition is on display at CQUniversity Rockhampton North, Building 83, Level 1, until the 26 October 2025, with Rockhampton proudly standing as the only regional Australian city to host it. Previously, the exhibition has been shown in major centres such as Adelaide and Sydney.

woman in white top talks with microphone in front of banner and behind podium — Caterina Pennestri, Atelierista and REAIE Integrity Facilitator at the official launch of the exhibition

children cut the ribbon at exhibition opening — Children officially cut the ribbon to officially open the Reggio Exchange exhibition

13 people standing in front of art displays in a gallery setting — CQUniversity staff gather at the exhibition opening

woman in cream business suit talks with another woman in front of displays — Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland discusses the exhibition with Reggio Exchange Vice Chairperson Kirsty Liljegren

a woman in floral dress and a woman in black dress in a gallery exhibition setting — CQUniversity Head of Early Childhood Education Associate Professor Gillian Busch and Reggio Exchange board member Heather Conroy at the exhibition

woman wearing black with handbag looking at art displays — Sue Moloney exploring the exhibition art and research at the official opening

man in blue suit and pink tie, woman in black dress, woman in white and blue pant suit and woman with grey top and black pants with artistic necklace — Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Klomp, Reggio Exchange Board Member Heather Conroy, Reggio Exchange Integrity Facilitator Caterina Pennestri and Reggio Exchange Vice Chairperson Kirsty Liljegren

woman talking with three children at a table with art equipment — Reggio Exchange Board Member Heather Conroy explores 'making marks' with some children during the opening of the exhibition

woman with red hair and green dress plays with artwork with toddler in blue dress — Children played an important role in the opening of the exhibition

REAIE Board Member Heather Conroy said 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 said.

Associate Professor Gillian Busch, Head of Early Childhood Education at CQUniversity, said bringing the exhibition to Rockhampton reflects the University’s strong commitment to inclusiveness and access.

“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,” she explained.

“The exhibition also reflects CQUniversity’s belief in recognising children’s rights and competencies, and in providing our regional community with access to extraordinary global learning experiences.”

Alongside free guided exhibition visits (bookings required), REAIE is hosting a series of professional learning opportunities for educators, students and community members – including masterclasses with Atelieriste from the REAIE Network and interactive workshops facilitated by local educators.

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 further information, visit reggioaustralia.org.au/mosaic-of-marks-exhibition-rockhampton.