Interactive First
Nations Art Workshop
Storytelling, symbolism and connection led by Yorta Yorta artist Ngalnya Atkinson
A Safe Space to
Learn and Connect
This workshop is all about creating a safe and welcoming space for people to learn about First Nations culture and more specifically Aboriginal art. Every session begins with an Acknowledgement of Country followed by everyone gathering together in a yarning circle.
The purpose is simple. I want people to leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations culture while also walking away with a stronger understanding of themselves through the process of storytelling and reflection.
How the Session
Unfolds
The workshop follows the same foundation every time, then it's tailored to suit the group and the environment on the day.
Acknowledgement of Country and Yarning Circle
We begin with an Acknowledgement of Country before gathering everyone in a yarning circle. This is where we explore First Nations history, the purpose of yarning and Aboriginal art together. It's also where a safe space is created for people to ask any respectful questions they've always wanted to ask about First Nations culture.
Symbols as Story and Knowledge
Each participant receives their own piece of card and I guide everyone through the symbolism used in Aboriginal art. These symbols have always been much more than a creative outlet. They were used as maps, to share stories and to pass knowledge and tradition from generation to generation.
Creating and Sharing
I provide all of the materials and encourage participants to tell their own stories using the symbol sheets provided, with guidance from myself or another First Nations facilitator along the way. Once everyone has finished, participants are invited to share their artwork with the group if they feel comfortable. It's often a really vulnerable and heartwarming moment.
Language and Play
To finish, everyone plays a memory game using Yorta Yorta words for animals. It's a fun and engaging way to introduce participants to language and end the session on a positive note.
Respecting the Line
Between Learning
and Making
Cultural safety is discussed at the very beginning of every workshop. Participants are advised that they are not creating Aboriginal art themselves, unless they are Mob of course. Instead they are using Aboriginal symbols as a storytelling tool to share their own journeys and experiences. For this reason, participants unfortunately do not take their artworks home with them.
Where support workers are part of a session, their role is to keep materials stocked up and help if someone needs the activity explained again. All cultural content is taught by myself or another First Nations facilitator.
Tailored to
Every Group
I run this workshop for all kinds of groups. The foundation stays the same, but the way it's delivered is tailored to the age group and the environment on the day, from a quiet school hall to a packed festival tent, with the same yarning circle and symbol work adapting to the space and the group in front of me.
Youth Group Workshops
Sessions are adapted to suit younger participants, with extra support to keep the yarning circle engaging and the art activity easy to follow.
Corporate
A meaningful way for teams to build cultural understanding together, with the yarning circle creating space for honest and respectful conversation.
Events and Festivals
A drop in friendly format that welcomes strangers into the one circle, often leading to new friendships that carry on through the rest of the event.
Schools and Education Centres
A hands on introduction to First Nations history, symbolism and storytelling, tailored to suit the year level and the classroom.
From $500
Every session is quoted based on group size and the length of the workshop. Fill out the enquiry form below and I'll get back to you with a tailored quote.
Ready to Bring This
Workshop to Your Group?
Whether you're planning a youth program, a corporate day, an event or festival or a school incursion, I'd love to hear from you. Fill out the enquiry form below for a tailored quote.