Learning with Indigenous knowledges, art, movement, and wellbeing across generations (TeachSpace)

TeachSpace link: https://www.monash.edu/education/teachspace/articles/learning-with-indigenous-knowledges-art-movement-and-wellbeing-across-generations

Monash University’s ‘We Are Well: Art-moving-wellbeing’ project explores how art education, wellbeing, histories and cultures of Australian First Nations Peoples, can create dynamic learning experiences in primary schools, universities, and senior groups. Monash students and staff from the Faculty of Education and the Department of Occupational Therapy, local children, and older adults from U3A and Rotary met with Indigenous artists and knowledge holders for four workshops at the Monash Peninsula Studio and McClelland Gallery. Monash students experienced creative project-based learning, as they learned about the value of Indigenous perspectives in their work, and how creative and community partnerships can be forged. They will take these experiences into their respective fields. The participants developed a new appreciation for people of different ages, cultures and experiences during this project. Stereotypes were challenged as they learned about Indigenous cultures, local plants, eco-dyeing, sun printing, and each other, while connections were made within and across generations.

Acknowledgments

Our ‘We Are Well: Art-moving-well-being’ project celebrates and appreciates the cultural and artistic leadership of Aunty Karan Kent, Bidjara, Community Elder and Founder of Yimba Yumba; Kylie Colemane, Darug and Wiradjuri First Nations consultant, Artist, and Educator and founder of Your Green Prescription; Kursty Colemane, Darug and Wiradjuri First Nations Knowledge-holder, Artist, and Educator and Nikki Browne, Bidjara Artist and Educator, and First Nations Learning and Programs Manager, McClelland Gallery.

Project team: Geraldine Burke, Megan Adams, Laura Alfrey, Aislinn Lalor, Keith Hill, Priscilla Pettengell