First Nations Artworks

Overview

A 10-week detailed unit designed for Year 8 students to investigate the diversity of First Nations Australians' artworks and art practices. The focus is on culturally responsive approaches to Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights, aligned explicitly with the Western Australian Curriculum. This unit not only develops art-making and critical analysis skills but also promotes respect and understanding of Aboriginal cultural protocols.

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Curriculum Alignment

• AC9AVA8E02: Investigate the diversity of First Nations Australians’ artworks and practices considering culturally responsive approaches to Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights.
• AC9AVA8D01: Experiment with visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials to develop skills.
• AC9AVA8D02: Reflect on how artists respond to influences to inform choices in their own practice.
• AC9AVA8C01: Select and manipulate visual conventions, processes and/or materials to create artworks representing ideas and perspectives.
• AC9AVA8P01: Plan, produce and present visual arts works informed by investigation and reflection.

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Weekly Breakdown (60 mins per lesson, single student focus)

Week 1: Introduction to First Nations Art and Cultural Respect

• Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the diversity of First Nations Australian art forms.
  • Comprehend the significance of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights.
  • Develop empathy through questioning ownership and cultural protocols.
  • Aligns with AC9AVA8E02 (Ethical use and permission protocols).

• Activities:

  • Introduction to a variety of First Nations art examples (visual, digital, symbolic).
  • Discussion using guided questions: "Who created this artwork?", "Whose story does it tell?", "How should we approach these works respectfully?"
  • Role-play scenarios to simulate getting permissions for cultural material.
  • Reflective journal entry on the importance of cultural respect.

• Assessment:

  • Short written response explaining why ICIP is crucial.

Week 2: Investigating First Nations Art Forms and Materials

• Learning Objectives:

  • Explore materials and techniques used in First Nations art (painting, weaving, carving).
  • Investigate how visual conventions communicate meaning.
  • Aligns with AC9AVA8D01 & AC9AVA8D02.

• Activities:

  • Hands-on exploration of natural materials traditionally used.
  • Virtual artist studio visit or video analysis focusing on materials and techniques.
  • Create small experimental sketches inspired by First Nations methods.
  • Guided reflection on choices made by artists in material use.

• Assessment:

  • Annotated sketchbook pages documenting experimentation.

Week 3: Understanding Visual Conventions and Symbolism

• Learning Objectives:

  • Identify visual symbols and their meanings in First Nations artworks.
  • Understand compositional choices and their narrative impacts.
  • Aligns with AC9AVA8D02.

• Activities:

  • Analytical viewing of artworks, focusing on patterns, symbols, and layout.
  • Create a visual glossary of common symbols with their cultural meanings.
  • Practice redrawing a traditional symbol with respect and accuracy.
  • Group discussion on the power of symbolism in storytelling.

• Assessment:

  • Symbol glossary creation and annotation.

Week 4: Reflecting on Cultural Influences in Personal Art Practice

• Learning Objectives:

  • Reflect on the influences of First Nations art on own artistic ideas.
  • Make informed decisions about incorporating cultural elements respectfully.
  • Aligns with AC9AVA8D02 & AC9AVA8C01.

• Activities:

  • Review previous weeks’ work and reflect on personal connections.
  • Plan a concept for an artwork inspired by First Nations themes without cultural appropriation.
  • Journal responses to peer or teacher feedback on ethical considerations.

• Assessment:

  • Written reflection and concept plan submission.

Week 5: Creative Development — Visual Arts Processes

• Learning Objectives:

  • Experiment with visual arts processes to develop a personal artwork.
  • Manipulate tools and materials informed by First Nations art.
  • Aligns with AC9AVA8D01 & AC9AVA8C01.

• Activities:

  • Begin creating an artwork incorporating learnt techniques and protocols.
  • Frequent self and teacher reviews to reflect on skill development and cultural sensitivity.
  • Document choices via an art journal emphasizing visual conventions.

• Assessment:

  • Sketches and process journal indicating planned steps.

Week 6: Art Making and Ethical Use of Cultural Material

• Learning Objectives:

  • Apply ICIP principles when incorporating cultural knowledge.
  • Use formal protocols for permissions or acknowledgments.
  • Aligns with AC9AVA8E02.

• Activities:

  • Workshop on ethical guidelines for using First Nations motifs.
  • Draft permission request letter or statement acknowledging cultural sources.
  • Peer review to check adherence to protocols.

• Assessment:

  • Completed permission/acknowledgment statement.

Week 7: Finalising Artwork and Reflective Practice

• Learning Objectives:

  • Refine artwork with continued respect for visual conventions.
  • Reflect critically on artistic decisions and cultural respect.
  • Aligns with AC9AVA8P01.

• Activities:

  • Continue working on the artwork with self-assessment checkpoints.
  • Reflective discussion focusing on the journey of creation.
  • Begin preparatory notes for presentation.

• Assessment:

  • Reflective journal entry about the artistic and ethical process.

Week 8: Presentation and Sharing

• Learning Objectives:

  • Present artworks articulating artistic and cultural intent.
  • Use appropriate arts terminology and culturally respectful language.
  • Aligns with AC9AVA8P01.

• Activities:

  • Prepare an oral or multimedia presentation explaining the artwork's cultural context, artistic choices, and respect for ICIP.
  • Exhibit the artwork in a class ‘gallery’ setting (or virtual gallery if remote).
  • Engage in Q&A to deepen understanding.

• Assessment:

  • Presentation delivered and self/peer-assessed.

Week 9: Critiquing and Responding to First Nations Artworks

• Learning Objectives:

  • Critically analyse First Nations artworks considering cultural context.
  • Develop empathy and culturally responsive critique skills.
  • Aligns with AC9AVA8E02 & AC9AVA8D02.

• Activities:

  • View a curated selection of First Nations artworks.
  • Apply learned criteria to write a respectful critique focusing on technique, cultural meaning, and artist intention.
  • Discussion on how critiques can influence own art practice ethically.

• Assessment:

  • Written respectful critique using appropriate terminology.

Week 10: Consolidation and Future Pathways

• Learning Objectives:

  • Consolidate understanding of First Nations art diversity and cultural rights.
  • Reflect on personal growth in art skills and cultural awareness.
  • Identify future avenues for respectful engagement.

• Activities:

  • Review portfolio/journal of process, artworks and reflections.
  • Class discussion on how to continue ethical engagement with First Nations arts.
  • Set personal goals for further learning and respect in artistic practice.

• Assessment:

  • Final reflective essay linking course learnings to future practice.

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Teaching Strategies & Tools

• Use of Viewpoints questioning technique to encourage layered questioning and critical thinking.
• Multimedia resources including video interviews of First Nations artists, digital galleries.
• Use of reflective journals to embed ongoing metacognition and cultural awareness.
• Integration of ethical role-playing and scenario analysis to contextualise Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights.
• Encouraging student voice and choice through personal reflections and creative decisions aligned with cultural respect.

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Notes on Culturally Responsive Pedagogy

• Emphasise continual respect for Indigenous knowledge ownership.
• Facilitate opportunities for collaboration or input from local First Nations communities or artists when possible.
• Teach and model language protocols including acknowledgment of Country and traditional owners.
• Scaffold complex ideas about cultural rights with age-appropriate interactions.

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This 10-week unit plan ensures students are embedded firmly within the Western Australian Curriculum while expanding their skills in visual arts and cultural competency regarding First Nations Australian art and protocols. The plan leverages ethical engagement, creativity, and reflection to develop well-rounded artists and respectful citizens.【2:AC9AVA8E02.md】【2:AC9AVA8D01.md】【2:AC9AVA8D02.md】【13:AC9AVA8E02.md】【8:AC9AVA8D01.md】【2:AC9AVA8D02.md】