Indigenous Perspectives Program
The ‘Indigenous Perspectives Project’ is a pilot program which has been funded by Warrnambool College and FRRR Gardiner Dairy Foundation. It is a collaboration of local Indigenous peoples, visual art teachers and Emma Stenhouse striving to build capacity in their teaching and learning. This project is underpinned by the belief that we can all develop a greater understanding of Indigenous culture, language and artistic practice through education.
l invite you to watch the short clip below which showcases the artworks of 118 Warrnambool College students in the Indigenous Perspectives Exhibition, term 2, 2021.
“The IPP has combined my 2 passions art and culture. To be able to share these with students and staff has been my privilege. The connections that have been made for students with the things that are important to them has far exceeded my expectations. We have created a safe space for sharing which has allowed creativity to flow. As an artist in residence, teacher and as a passionate advocate for that beauty of culture this program has changed lives, including mine.”
— Emma Stenhouse
The project has been incredibly successful and we feel privileged to join our students on a journey of discovery and experimentation through conversation and artistic practice. The ‘Indigenous Perspectives Pilot Project’ is a collaboration of local Indigenous peoples, an emerging Indigenous artist and visual arts teachers striving to build capacity in their teaching and learning. This project is underpinned by the belief that we can all develop a greater understanding of Indigenous culture, language and artistic practice through education.
An integral component of the project is inclusivity, for students and teachers to engage with groups and organisations within the community ie. Indigenous people, galleries and organisations. The weekly classroom incursions have included practice and theory-based content with a focus on experimentation in 2D and 3D art-making and applied design.
Our goal is to continue to enrich the educational experience for all students at Warrnambool College as the project is embedded in a range of learning areas.
Artist in residence, Emma Stenhouse, has shared her knowledge with 125 students in years 8, 9 and 10 as they experimented with collage, printmaking, weaving, painting, product design and ceramics.
Uncle Lucky, a Peek Whurrang Elder, and Mel Steffensen, an Indigenous Language Facilitator, have shared their local knowledge of language and culture. We have learnt about the message poles and yarning circle at the front of our school, the stollen generations, creating a personal story using natural resources, indigenous icons, language, culture, and local artmaking practices.
The Art team are extremely proud of the success of this collaboration with students displaying a great depth of learning, relationship development and capacity building. Our goal is to continue to enrich the educational experience for all students at Warrnambool College as the project is embedded in a range of learning areas.
