Resurgence: Interwoven

Resurgence: Interwoven is a wellbeing program for schools and community using Aboriginal methodology of weaving. Inspired by the traditional practice of coiling with rushes, lomandra and other grasses these contemporary artworks provide the opportunity for the youth and community to explore and learn about the traditional practices while being culturally appropriate, making a contemporary sculpture with contemporary materials.

We are able to teach all Australian children and teachers how to be immersed and how to appreciate, not appropriate Aboriginal culture.

We provide educators with more than enough information so they can authentically embed Aboriginal perspectives into their classrooms, we also provide NESA endorsed teacher professional learning and an education kit so even after the program is finished this education kit can continue the conversation in their school.

To deliver our Resurgence: Interwoven we are generally on site at each school one day per week for 10 weeks. The units of work and lesson plans we provide identify cross key learning areas and assessable outcomes.

The opportunity doesn't end with the artist in residence program, the following year participants are invited to be part of our yearly exhibition at a regional gallery or museum.

In our experience each program is run differently, some groups larger than others, some schools focus on a stage or year to be involved while other schools might have just the Aboriginal students and a friend participate. Either way we slowly build the expectations and level of difficulty in response to the student’s ability so that by the end of the 10-week program each and every student has the ability to create a woven coil. These coils are then collated and stitched onto the welded frame to create the flora or fauna’s form. Each sculpture varies due to the size, number and age of students involved and of course the artist’s style.

Program cost

The program includes the following

• Interwoven: Aboriginal education kit
• Weaving materials
• Custom welded frame
• Program delivery
• Teacher professional learning (40 staff, additional staff at $145pp)
• Interim report - provided at the conclusion of the program with the completed body of work. Evidencing student and teacher program and TPL engagement and possible impact.
• Final report - provided after the exhibition reporting on all aspects such as advocacy, attendance and engagement.

Total: $16,999

Note: Travel 50kms outside Newcastle CBD incurs additional costs. (50% paid at the start and 50% on the completion of the project)

Download the Resurgence: Interwoven program proposal

Commonly Asked Questions

• Can I reduce the cost of the program by not including the TPL?
  

  Speaking in Colour was created to assist teachers to implement Aboriginal perspectives into their classrooms across key learning areas and linked to curriculum outcomes. We have qualified teachers, with many years’ experiences, who can deliver this NESA accredited TPL. Our recommendation is to provide the TPL for the whole school. This means that other teachers from other key learn areas get to understand the program, be involved if they like and see how they can achieve learning outcomes by implementing this culture knowledge into their teaching programs.

• Can I reduce the cost of the program in any way?
  

  Our costing covers our program delivery, materials, and associated resources. As a wellbeing program, using Aboriginal methodology, our final report will demonstrate the impact these programs can have.

• How many people can participate?
  

  For primary schools, we recommend classes be kept together. Therefore, class numbers between 22 and 28 could be accommodated, over a minimum of 45 minutes.
  For high schools, as these are practical lessons, we recommend only 25 students at one time, over a minimum of 45mins. In the high school setting you may like to you might have Aboriginal girls in one class and Aboriginal boys in a separate or some other arrangement, but we ask these are still a maximum of 25 students per class.
  Presenters are available for the day, during this period we can accommodate 3-4 groups of students across the day.

• Can we run both the Interwoven program and Possum Skin Cloak program at the same time?
  

  Yes, this is possible however, different teachers specialise in different programs. Therefore, these would be separate booking. Our suggestion, to maximise engagement for your students and community, is to run the programs on different days.