Yarning with Dean Greeno at Devonport Library

About the Living Knowledge Project

The Living Knowledge Project is a partnership between Devonport Library and local palawa people.

At its heart, the project is a year-long residency program, offering a platform for Tasmanian Aboriginal people to share their personal journeys through the ancient art of yarning and storytelling. 13 palawa Elders and knowledge holders will be in residence at Devonport Library over a 12 month period, beginning in June 2024.

In a local library setting traditionally associated with the written word, this initiative represents a groundbreaking opportunity to integrate oral traditions and Tasmanian Aboriginal perspectives into the mosaic of knowledge dissemination, information access, learning and connection.

About Dean Greeno

Dean was born in 1967 in Whitemark, Flinders Island. After moving to Launceston in 1972, he returned each year to fish with his father, grandfather and extended family, learning seamanship, shipwright skills and respect for marine country. This knowledge forms an important part of his family heritage.

Dean spent years honing fine motor skills useful in his art through work in various professions. His communication skills were fine-tuned in hospitality work, including concierge work at Launceston Country Club Casino. After completing an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering cadetship at Ansett and Qantas, Dean spent over 17 years in aviation engineering. He also completed a Building and Construction Diploma and owned/operated his landscape and building business while doing shift work at Qantas.

Deans's art centres primarily on sculpture, drawing heavily upon his Pakana cultural connections to Country and the traditional practices that spiritually connect him to his artwork. These connections began as a boy when his great-grandfather taught him traditional bush hunting and crafting techniques.

With his father and own son, Dean worked on traditional construction and design of bark canoes, helping the continuation of living culture's core practices. Dean received a residency from SA Jam Factory (Adelaide) for the Tasmanian Design Centres Masterclass and works for the ASK program as an interpretative Pakana ‘tour guide’.

Dean completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts with honours and has a master’s application to continue his research project, a leading-edge exploration between natural and social sciences using the indigenous voice of traditional knowledge.

To ensure a successful event, please:

• Don't attend if you are unwell

• Let us know if you can’t attend so we can offer your place to someone else

• Practice COVID safe behaviours

• Let us know if you have any support needs, or if a support person will be coming with you.

Accessibility:

• The multi-level car park (corner of Best Street and Fenton Way) provides disabled access parking, lift access and flat walking surfaces between the car park and the paranaple centre. Council parking fees apply.

• Entrance to the paranaple centre is via automatic doors at both Market Square and Rooke Street entrances. The Market Square entrance offers universal access and is available at the touch of a button, providing ease for patrons with access difficulties.

• Inside the paranaple centre, Devonport Library is located on both ground and first floors. Escalators, lifts and stairs are available to take you between the two floors. A parent and child room is situated on the ground floor and accessible toilets are available on all floors.

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Event Venue

Devonport Library - paranaple centre, 137 Rooke Street, Devonport, Australia