Experience a full-day Professional Learning program that brings historic and contemporary First Nations art and design into meaningful focus for your classroom. Be inspired by Kait James, acclaimed Waddawurrung artist, as she discusses how humour, pop culture and found materials shape her practice. Join Dr Jessica Clarke, Senior Curator of First Nations Art at the NGV, for an inspiring exploration of key works in the NGV Australia galleries and hear from artist, filmmaker and Head of the Wilin Centre at The University of Melbourne, Tiriki Onus, as he shares valuable lessons learnt from his family and culture. The day also includes an interactive gallery-based session led by NGV Educators focusing on respectful approaches to teaching with First Nations artworks.
Please note: this event is catered. Please indicate any dietary requirements when booking.
- Develop an awareness of the diversity of practices in First Nations art and design.
- Build confidence in exploring First Nations art, culture and history in the classroom.
- Identify and describe connections between your student’s world and the themes, concepts and ideas in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
- Discuss culturally sensitive approaches to using First Nations Art and Design in the classroom.
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- 2.1. Apply knowledge of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area to develop engaging teaching activities.
- 2.4 Demonstrate broad knowledge of, understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.
- 6.2 Participate in learning to update knowledge and practice, targeted to professional needs and school and/or system priorities.
- 6.4 Undertake professional learning programs designed to address identified student learning needs.
About the presenters
Tiriki Onus is a Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung man and Head of the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development, University of Melbourne. He is an artist, curator, academic, filmmaker and opera singer who, through the grace and generosity of local elders and community, continues to practice his art and culture on the lands of the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri peoples.
Kait James is a Wadawurrung artist whose work explores her identity as an Australian with both Anglo and Indigenous heritage. Utilising Punch Needling techniques, she embroiders kitsch found materials, such as souvenir tea towels, that reference colonial settlements and histories, subverting them with Indigenous imagery and familiar references. Through the use of humour and vivid colours, Kait addresses the way white western culture has dominated Australia’s history, and her personal reflections on her Indigenous heritage.