National recognition for WestMAC’s First Nations art projects

Students from West Moreton Anglican College (WestMAC) have been recognised on a national stage, with four Year 10 Visual Art projects selected by the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) for their prestigious online student gallery.

WestMAC is the only school outside South Australia to be featured in the gallery, which is widely considered a leading national resource for First Nations visual arts education.

The published collections include cyanotypes, soft self-portraits, ink drawings and mixed media collages. These works were created collaboratively in 2023 and 2024 by 46 students under the guidance of Visual Art teacher Annabel Simmonds. In total, 59 artworks were selected. Created in small groups, the pieces were designed as non-assessed learning experiences that explored Indigenous perspectives and fostered inclusive artistic practice.

“These pieces are about more than technique,” said Ms Simmonds. “They reflect who we are as a community and how we meaningfully engage with culture and Country. It’s a real honour to have our students’ work recognised in this way.”

AGSA has also published Ms Simmonds’ full teaching synopses and planning documents alongside the artwork. These free resources are now being used by educators across Australia and internationally to inform their own practice.

This recognition builds on the College’s commitment to embedding First Nations perspectives across the curriculum through a unique teaching and learning framework known as the Dandiiri Approach. This approach is led by WestMAC’s First Nations Learning Innovator, Phyllis Marsh, who works closely with staff to adapt their practice and become Dandiiri Knowledge Holders.

“A strategic aspect of the Dandiiri Approach is to raise knowledge to enhance education,” Ms Marsh said. “I work with staff to change their teaching practice so that First Nations knowledge ways are shared in meaningful, authentic ways. The impact of this approach is visible in the confidence and creativity shown in our students’ work.”

The work was also showcased at the 2024 Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers (HALT) Conference, where it received high praise from education leaders.

Principal Andrew Peach said, “We are proud of our students and staff who continue to lead through creativity, cultural awareness and educational excellence. This recognition reflects the values and vision that guide our College.”

View the AGSA gallery and published resources:
• Full gallery
• Cyanotypes
• Soft Self-Portraits
• Ink Drawings
• Mixed Media Collage