SEPTEMBER 2025

SEPTEMBER 2025

PAST EVENTS

2024

2024

Art Empowers

Keynote Speakers: Marikit Santiago and Peter O'Connor.

This years theme: ART EMPOWERS, invited educators to deepen their understanding and teaching of art’s impactful role on individual, communities and broader society. It provides a means of expression, promoting emotional and cultural growth. Embrace the opportunity to refine your educational strategies and inspire empowerment through art in your students.

Day 1. Marikit Santiago

Multidisciplinary contemporary Australian artist Marikit Santiago challenges and reclaims cultural narratives, emphasizing empowerment through identity and diasporic experiences.

Marikit Santiago

ARTIST

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Day 2. Art is education, education is an art

The arts are the single most important thing children can engage with for learning and thriving in the world. Peter O'Connor.

Peter O'Connor

Professor of Education and Director of the Centre for Arts and Social Transformation at the University of Auckland

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Clay Trophy Making

Using air dry clay, participants will create their own unique trophy, exploring the fundamentals of hand-building and using several techniques that can be applied to numerous other projects.

Bonnie Hislop

ARTIST

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Drawing and Zinemaking

This workshop is to introduce participants to the power of drawing and zinemaking, which in combination create a unique format for individual and collective self-expression.

Safdar Ahmed

ARTIST

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Re thinking the portrait

Develop drawing/painting skills, using ink.  Working with this medium in a contemporary context we will cover a range of techniques including washes, layering and choices of brushes and paper.

Fiona McMonagle

ARTIST

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A wearable composition

In this workshop you will look at mark making, colour, print and mixed media as an expression of Empowerment.
What Empowers , motivates and excites you?

Tania Di Berardino

ARTIST & EDUCATOR

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Colour Pencil Revival

Fundamental drawing techniques, observation and composition forming are some of the greater capabilities of the colour pencil that will be harnessed and highlighted.

Jasmine Crisp

ARTIST

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You Already Know

You Already Know is an experimental textile workshop which includes a series of mindfulness, design, sewing and beading techniques.

Liam Benson

ARTIST

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Practice Practice

Using different artmaking techniques including drawing, embroidery, and sculpture, Harriet will guide you through a workshop that will encourage discussion and collaboration between participants.

Harriet Body

ARTIST

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Invisible Soft Sculptures

Participants will design and create a soft sculpture, as they recognise, reflect and connect with the concept that emotions can be visible and invisible.

Francesca Spillane

ARTIST & EDUCATOR

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Day 1. Truth to power: the work of Indigenous art post-Referendum

Join Daniel Browning, artist, poet, author, and ABC's Indigenous Editor-in-Chief and host of The Art Show, as he shares his rich experiences working with and interviewing artists whose practices empower First Nations communities, students, and the broader public. Daniel will provide insights into specific artworks and artists that enhance representation and empowerment within visual arts education. Additionally, he will explore how his multifaceted roles as journalist, editor, artist, poet, and author interconnect, enriching his approach to storytelling and cultural narration. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion that promises to inspire and inform.

Daniel Browning

Writer, journalist, radio broadcaster, documentary maker & sound artist

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Day 2. Empowering Voices with Tai Snaith

Join celebrated artist, author, and podcast host Tai Snaith in this engaging panel discussion with a selection of Australia's most inspiring visual artists, educators and cultural leaders. 

A rare opportunity to hear unique insights into their creative processes and the transformative power of art in society. 

Tai Snaith

ARTIST, AUTHOR & PODCAST HOST

Sara Mansour

POET & WRITER

Abdul Abdullah

ARTIST

Harriet Body

ARTIST

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