Despite being maligned as just "roads, rates and rubbish", the Legislative Assembly is the home of decision making for Canberra's thriving communities and is important for the whole ACT.
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That's the message from Speaker Vicki Dunne who will join territory politicians and community groups at the Assembly open day on Sunday.
Mrs Dunne said more Canberrans should visit the Assembly regularly, to engage with their local leaders and understand the building's art collection, architecture and debate.
"What happens here is very important to Canberrans. I see it as a my mission as Speaker to ensure as many people as possible come to that realisation and come to this building," she said.
Tours of the building and a free barbecue hosted by politicians from all side will get under way at 10am. A great debate, presided over by Justice Richard Refshauge, will consider the significance of the Magna Carta and featuring students from Canberra schools. Choirs and artists will be on hand for entertainment and a hand-crafted replica of the Magna Carta will be on display.
"One of the highlights will be an art exhibition of works of many members and staff working in the building. We have some extraordinarily talented and accomplished practitioners here," Mrs Dunne said.
Artist Daniel Savage will join presentations by the creators of some of the Assembly's growing permanent collection. His photos are in the building's committee rooms corridor on the ground floor.
Working primarily in photography, video and installation Mr Savage's work is constructed portraiture.
"My work is quite self-referential so I use my own stories and experiences, particularly with disability, as a point of difference to get people to try and break down preconceived notions about the other and the norm," he said.
"I consider how we like to separate groups who are outside what we consider the norm, like disability, gender, race, sexual preferance. We all exist on a spectrum, and for me disability isn't a static or set thing."
Mr Savage said being included in the Assembly collection was an honour for a Canberran and an emerging artist. He will talk about his work and career with two other artists from 12.15pm.
The ACT Legislative Assembly is set to undergo remodelling ahead of the expansion from 17 to 25 members after the 2016 ACT election. Sunday's event, running until 2pm, will be the last chance to see the building in its current form.
The first 100 visitors will receive a Correa Canberra Bells plant from the centenary celebrations to take home.
