Flying Arts Alliance

Art for Life

Sensitively Embedding First Nations Perspectives with Jaelene Durrand

24apr12:00 pm1:00 pmSensitively Embedding First Nations Perspectives with Jaelene DurrandProfessional Development Webinar

Time

24th April 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm(GMT+10:00)

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Location

Your computer

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Event Details

12pm – 1pm Thursday the 24th April 2025

This presentation advocates for a sensitive and appropriate approach to Australian art education in high schools, emphasising the importance of fostering meaningful connections with local Indigenous cultures while avoiding the pitfalls of dot appropriation. Whilst Jaelene herself is not First Nations, she has formed strong relationships with her local elders and community through the education programs conducted in her classrooms.

Jaelene will explain her classroom experiences and her approach to ensuring proper engagement that follows appropriate protocols which educators can apply in their own classrooms. Whilst Jaelene herself is not First Nations, she has formed strong relationships with her local elders and community through the education programs conducted in her classrooms.

Jaelene will give examples of activities she has run in the past that engage students in exploring Indigenous cultural stories and the ecological significance of native plants to First Nations peoples. Students create their own paper embedded with native plants, immersing themselves in the tactile experience and fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between culture and nature.

Throughout the process, emphasis is placed on respectful engagement with Indigenous cultural practices, encouraging students to reflect on the significance of their artistic creations within broader socio-cultural contexts. By engaging in this holistic and culturally responsive approach to art education, students not only develop technical skills but also cultivate empathy, appreciation, and respect for Indigenous cultures and their connection to the land.

What to Bring:

Please bring questions to discuss with Jaelene. Flying Arts also recommends having note-taking materials on hand.

Additional Information:

This online session will be held via ClickMeeting a webinar broadcasting room. The webinar will be recorded and shared with registered participants after the program concludes.

To discuss specific access needs, please contact program@flyingarts.org.au.

Additional Information

Jaelene Durrand is a celebrated artist and arts educator based in the Atherton Tablelands of Far North Queensland. Her dynamic mixed-media artworks, often inspired by the region’s natural beauty, reflect themes of connection, introspection, and resilience. Characterised by layered textures, intricate patterns, and a striking palette dominated by blues, her art invites viewers to explore deeper emotional and environmental narratives.

 

Beyond her artistic practice, Jaelene is a dedicated advocate for arts education, with a career that has profoundly impacted regional and rural communities. She is passionate about integrating First Nations perspectives into the classroom, empowering Indigenous students to explore and celebrate their cultural identities through visual storytelling. Her work as an educator extends into mentoring emerging artists and fostering creativity as a tool for self-expression and community building. Jaelene’s contributions go beyond teaching; she has been instrumental in promoting the value of the arts in regional areas, organizing exhibitions, leading community projects, and advocating for youth empowerment through creative opportunities. Her efforts have garnered recognition at both local and national levels, solidifying her reputation as a leader in arts education and regional advocacy.

 

In recent years, Jaelene’s artistic achievements have been showcased in various exhibitions, including a highly anticipated solo exhibition at the Brisbane Art Gallery. Her commitment to the arts as a transformative force continues to inspire individuals and communities, highlighting the vital role creativity plays in shaping identities and connections.