Scale of Care is a new interactive installation artwork, commissioned by Courage to Care for inclusion in the exhibition. Artist My Li Thi is a Sydney based installation artist and a passionate advocate for racial harmony and tolerance.

Of mixed Chinese and Vietnamese background, My Li, herself, has been the victim of racism, both in her native Vietnam and in Australia, since she came here in 1985. The experience has given shape to her art. For this commissioned piece for Courage to Care, she has used one of her stock motifs – the traditional scales of justice.

The scales are weighted down on one side with brightly coloured squares, rectangles and spheres, bearing words such as persecution, victimisation, racism, bullying and the like. Only the interaction of the visitor can support the empty tray and balance the scales.

This active participation is at the heart of My Li’s commitment. She says: “Having courage to care in thought alone is not enough: it must be turned into action, no matter how small.”

For My Li, the size of the work has been an important consideration. Standing at 150 cm, it allows even a young child to balance the scales. This emphasises her belief that we all can have the courage to care, no matter how young or how old.

Scale of Care encapsulates the message of Courage to Care program. Its inclusion in the exhibition provides a new and thought-provoking addition to the visitor experience.