In a coup for Queensland, Museum of Brisbane and Warwick Art Gallery will exhibit The Red Dress, an award-winning 14-year global community art project conceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod, where every thread carries a compelling story expressed through embroidery, including local Brisbane ties.
From 2009 to 2023, pieces of The Red Dress travelled the globe, being embroidered on by 367 women, 11 men and two non-binary artists from 51 countries, including refugees, asylum seekers, survivors of war and disadvantaged women worldwide.
The project was initially designed to spark discussions about identity, but has evolved into a powerful platform for self-expression, amplifying marginalised voices and addressing social issues woven into traditional embroidery and intricate stitches.
On display for the first time in Australia, textile and embroidery artists and audiences will be able to marvel at the delicate details of this thought-provoking work. The poignant piece is constructed from 87 panels of burgundy silk dupion and holds a Guinness World Record for the largest collaborative embroidery project.
Now complete, the 6.8kg dress is covered with an estimated one to 1.5 billion stitches, weighted with stories that signify the link between artisans and first-time embroiderers and diverse audiences worldwide, including refugees, vulnerable individuals and those with complex needs.
All 141 embroiderers with commissioned contributions received compensation along with a share of exhibition fees and merchandise sales for The Red Dress, which has been exhibited in major galleries and at political gatherings.
Brisbane’s AllThreads community created a detailed and highly skilled embroidery for Australia’s contribution to the global project, capturing the country’s unique landscape, flora and fauna.
Museum of Brisbane CEO & Director Zoe Graham said The Red Dress is a profoundly significant piece, curating the collective voices and lived experiences of hundreds of embroiderers, including local artists, into a single, powerful work that speaks to resilience, identity and shared humanity.
“Kirstie Macleod’s extraordinary 14-year project not only elevates the stories of women and marginalised communities worldwide but also invites Brisbane audiences to connect deeply with the human experience stitched into every thread,” said Ms Graham.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said securing the project would further strengthen Brisbane’s reputation as a city where arts and culture thrive. “As Australia’s lifestyle capital, Brisbane is proud to host this iconic artwork as part of its Australian tour,” said Councillor Schrinner.
“This award-winning work showcases the power of storytelling to bring people together, spark curiosity and amplify voices from around the world. We’re proud to be a city that celebrates creativity while creating more opportunities for people to experience world-class art for free.”
The Red Dress
Fairfax Gallery – Museum of Brisbane, Level 3 – Brisbane City Hall, King George Square, Brisbane
On display: Saturday 25 July – Sunday 13 September 2026
Free entry
For more information, visit: www.museumofbrisbane.com.au for details.
Prior to its showing at the Museum of Brisbane, The Red Dress will be on display at the Warwick Art Gallery from 16 – 22 July 2026.
Image: Kirstie Macleod with The Red Dress just after the garment was completed in 2023 – photo by Mark Pickthall