Always Here - teachers' notes
AIATSIS Shop
This teaching and learning sequence explores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ ongoing activism and resistance, focusing on the experiences of women and the varied ways in which they have spoken out against colonisation. It centres artworks from the AIATSIS Collection by Wiradjuri and Ngiyampaa woman, Charlotte Allingham.
Using art prompts for discussion, students explore the definition of activism, and investigate how the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures inform modes of activism. In this purposefully cross-curricular learning experience, students dig deeper into the role that individuals have played through research projects and are encouraged to use creative modes of presenting their research.
This learning experience is aligned with the Australian Curriculum (version 9) areas of Year 10 Visual Arts and History, as well as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority. Some extension and support activities have been suggested in this resource, however, teachers are encouraged to differentiate learning and engagement with these activities in ways that promote learning for all students.
Production details
- A4 pdf document
- 210 x 297 mm
- 23 pages
Content
Teaching notes about the artist, curriculum connections and cultural protocols.
Learning sequence for three lessons
Student task sheet for research task
Printable dates for timeline
About the creator
The AIATSIS Collection has developed over the past fifty years and contributes to building understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture and heritage.
The Collection includes works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge keepers, artists, film makers, storytellers, and writers. It also includes work by non-Indigenous people who have documented the cultures, lives and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The AIATSIS art and object collection includes over 6000 items and continues to grow through donations and purchases. The artworks featured in this resource were acquired from the artist, Charlotte Allingham, in 2019.
The collection reflects the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural expression. It has a strong connection with the work of AIATSIS dating back to the early 1960s with particular strengths in late 20th-century and contemporary materials.
About the artist
Charlotte Allingham is a Wiradjuri and Ngiyampaa woman. She challenges perceptions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, and queer and gender diverse peoples through her art.