Peter Lindsay MP

Federal Member for Herbert

Townsville - Australia

Tuesday July 1, 1997

The Hon. Alexander Downer MP

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Suite MF27

Parliament House

CANBERRA ACT 2600

"I am writing to inform you of the recent success of an artist in my electorate of Herbert. Ture Sjolander has been invited to attend a stone carving symposium at Mangsbodarne, Alvdalen, Sweden as representative of the Australian Embassy in Stockholm. The symposium woll take place between July 18 and August 7. The aim of the symposium is to give artists from different countries the possibility to try the stone of Alvdalskvartsit and also the special stone from Alvdalen: Porfhyr.

I would also like to bring to your attention another event which Mr. Sjolander will be the only Australian artist attending. Mr. Sjolander has been invited to attend the 1997 China International Sculpture Invitation Show in Changchung from August 10 to September 20. The purpose of the show is tp promote international cultural and artistic exchange. All invited sculptors will be requested to make a stone sculpture on the theme of PEACE, FRIENDSHIP and SPRING.

I have enclosed a copy of Mr. Sjolander's successful proposal to the Invitation Show in China titled " Two Pillars of Mutual Interest ".

Obviously, the talents of Mr. Sjolander are world class and deserving of the recognition and rewards he has been granted…."

Peter Lindsay, MP

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THE HON ALEXANDER DOWNER MP

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

PARLIAMENT HOUSE

CANBERRA ACT 2600

Mr. Peter Lindsay MP

Member for Herbert

P O Box 226

AITKENVALE QLD 4814

August 6, 1997

 

Dear Peter

Thank you for your letter dated 4 July concerning the success of Mr. Ture Sjolander in achieving artistic recognition overseas.

I am pleased that the organisers of the symposium in Sweden and the International Sculpture Show in China have recognised Mr Sjolander's significant skills. I particularly welcome the contribution that his activities will make to a better international appreciation of the breadth and diversity of contemporary Australian society.

Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

Yours sincerely

Alexander Downer