Galnyatj E-News – First Edition
Delivered by Kaiela Arts, Galnyatj is a creative learning program that supports First Nations students to connect with culture, community and Country through contemporary arts practice. Working alongside artists, Elders and educators, students explore storytelling, identity and self-expression while developing creative skills, confidence and a stronger connection to place.
This e-news offers a snapshot of some of the projects, partnerships and learning experiences taking place through Galnyatj. In this edition, we’re excited to share an update on our ceramic coolamon and pit firing project, where students have been learning from artists, Elders and living cultural objects that continue to be used every day at Kaiela Arts.
Thank you to the students, educators, artists, Elders and community members who continue to contribute their time, knowledge and generosity to the program.
Coolamons, Stories and Connection: Galnyatj Students Prepare for Pit Firing
Students from Shepparton Flexible Learning Centre, Shepparton took part in six weeks of Galnyatj. The students have been exploring their own storytelling and connecting with culture through ceramics.
The project began with the creation of a collaborative banner, where students worked together to share ideas, symbols and stories that are important to them. This process helped students identify themes and visual language they wished to carry through into their individual ceramic works, while also contributing to a collective artwork that reflects the group’s shared experiences and perspectives.
To inspire their making, students visited the Shepparton Art Museum collection exhibition, spending time closely observing ceramic works and discussing how artists communicate meaning through form, texture and surface decoration. Back at Kaiela Arts, students have been working with Senior Artist in Residence Lyn Thorpe, ceramic artist Kaye Poulton and Galnyatj Coordinator Kristen Retallick to create their own clay coolamons. The works have been developed using Aunty Cynthia Hardie’s ceramic coolamons as moulds, which are functional items, used daily within the studio and gallery at Kaiela Arts. Students have also explored images of local tree scars provided by Lyn Thorpe, considering how markings and designs can carry stories and connections to Country.
The project will culminate in a community pit firing at the Rumbalara Healing Centre, where students’ works will be fired alongside pieces contributed by Kaiela Arts artists, Elders and members of the community. We look forward to sharing the finished works and celebrating the learning, creativity and community connections that have emerged through this special project.
Our recent PROUD & STRONG Fundraising Appeal raised $42,439 to grow opportunities for local First Nations students, and every dollar of it supports Galnyatj. Read the full story of the appeal and what it means for Galnyatj.
Galnyatj Bookings Now Open for Terms 3 & 4
After a wonderful first half of the year, we’re excited to welcome bookings for our Term 3 and Term 4 Galnyatj programs.
Galnyatj provides opportunities for First Nations students to connect with culture, creativity, community and Country through hands-on arts experiences at Kaiela Arts. Working alongside artists, Elders and cultural knowledge holders, students explore storytelling, identity and contemporary artmaking in a supportive space that puts culture first.
Programs can be tailored to suit different age groups and school needs, and we encourage schools to get in touch to discuss opportunities for the second half of the year.
To enquire about bookings or receive further information, please contact Kristen Retallick, Galnyatj Coordinator kristen@kaielaarts.org.au or fill in the booking form.
We would love to get to know and work with your students.
Galnyatj Schools Program Booking Request Form — fill out the form
Galnyatj is supported by the Department of Education’s Strategic Partnerships Program.
