Our Future 2024 Call for Nominations

Overview

The AACHWA Our Future: Aboriginal Arts Worker Training Program is designed to support emerging arts professionals to develop their knowledge and skills across a broad spectrum of arts and cultural specialisations. The program allows real-world, on the job experience which broadens participants perspective on the arts and provides practical training that can be applied when participants return to an art centre context. The program is proudly supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) through the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program (RACIP).

The program is delivered in two parts and offers participants an opportunity to learn from Perth’s larger art institutes as well as an opportunity to develop new skills through connection and learnings from a regional WA Aboriginal art centre.

2024 Program

Part One: 18 – 27 March 2024

During the Perth program participants have the opportunity to learn from, tour and explore Perth’s top cultural institutions, this includes; WA Museum, Art Gallery of WA (AGWA) and Holmes a Court Gallery.  The program is delivered in partnership with North Metropolitan TAFE, where participants will also complete accredited training.

The tailored program includes a variety of learning opportunities and exclusive experiences including:  

• Tours and educational activities WA Museum and Art Gallery of WA
• Tailored tutorials onsite at North Metropolitan TAFE
• Behind the scenes tours of a range of cultural collections throughout Perth
• Networking and creative development

Part Two: August 2024 (dates TBC)

The Aboriginal arts workers will be immersed in a series of arts workshops and professional development opportunities with the skilled arts workers of Martumili Artists in Newman. Martumili arts workers, board members and artists will share their talents and stories of country with Aboriginal arts workers from across the state. This peer-to-peer learning model allows participants to learn new skills in a real-life art centre setting.  In the past participants have learnt new skills, such as block printing on textiles, boab nut carving and slip casting, as well as learning about administration, tourism, packing artworks, stretching canvases and exhibition installation.

Selection process

AACHWA will undertake a selection process based on submitted information, to identify 5 arts workers for this program. This is a competitive process and unfortunately, we will not be able to accept every nomination. Art Centres that are not AACHWA members are welcome to submit nomination/s for arts workers, however during the selection process, preference will be given to AACHWA members.

Participants will be required to commit themselves to this intensive learning experience and attend two separate residential training blocks; March 2024 in Perth and August 2024 in Newman.

Successful candidates will need to show that they:

• have worked with an art centre or in an arts related field for at least 6 months
• show engagement with exhibition development/curating, art installation or pursuing professional development in the arts
• can travel during March 2024 and August 2024
• can commit to the full program of events, including the one and a half weeks in Perth, as well as the 2nd training block run at a regionally based art centre for 5 days in August 2024 (exact dates TBC, this will be in Newman, hosted by Martumili Artists)

How To Apply

• AACHWA member arts centres are invited to nominate participant/s to be considered for this training opportunity.
• Complete the nomination form. Please include all requested details i.e., name of person nominating (art centre manager), nominee (arts worker) details, and nominee biography outlining prior experience. Note, bio will be used for promotion and introduction to staff running workshops.
• One clear photograph of nominee (head shot) that can be used for promotional purposes and by training staff.
• Signed declaration (by nominee) of commitment to the program and associated requirements.

>> Download the nomination form

Email nomination forms to Glenda Dixon at programs@aachwa.com.au no later than COB Monday 18 December 2023. If you have any questions, please call the AACHWA office on 08 9200 6248 or email Glenda.