Customs House from the cover of The Queenslander Jubilee issue.

A new virtual exhibition on the State Library of Queensland (SLQ) website weaves together the stories of people, places, institutions, lifestyles and items from the John Oxley Library that helped shape Queensland.

Images and insights around the themes of hope, taking shape, Queensland style and turning 50 tell fascinating tales of Indigenous survival, why the Queensland border has its iconic shape, the origins of the veranda and the famed Labor Party Manifesto.

Visit Becoming Queensland online to explore the images, stories and activities.

As part of the State Library's Q150 celebrations, Becoming Queensland is a collaboration between the State Library's historian-in-residence and Griffith University Professor Anna Haebich and staff in Heritage Collections who selected items of special meaning to them for the exhibition.

We welcome feedback and contributions to Arts Update. Please contact the editor, Colleen Turner on (07) 3225 8841 or email artsupdate@arts.qld.gov.au