Country & Belonging
A First Nations-led arts residency for primary schools.
Children hear Acknowledgements of Country every day. But do they understand what they mean? Do they feel connected to the words?
Country & Belonging is a First Nations-designed and led arts residency that brings those words to life. Through art-making, storytelling and conversation, students explore their relationship to place, identity and culture — and at the end, each child writes their own personal Acknowledgement of Country.
About The Student Experience
Each week, a First Nations artist leads students through a different creative activity — dot painting, weaving, digital media, sound and storytelling — all anchored in questions about the land they live on, the communities they’re part of, and what belonging means to them. The residency concludes with a whole-school exhibition that the entire school community can share.
How it Works
Country & Belonging works with Grades 3 and 4 students through a series of weekly sessions with the program length tailored to each school. Most sessions take place at your school, and the program typically includes an excursion to the Bendigo Art Gallery where students explore the First Nations collection and work with gallery educators. Arena works with each school to shape the schedule around your timetable and needs.
What it Leaves Behind
100% of teachers who have completed the program now use their students’ own Acknowledgements in regular classroom practice. One school launched a whole-school Culture and Language Day. Another pursued a grant to embed First Nations art in their playground. The residency plants something that keeps growing.
The Artists
Country & Belonging was designed by Yorta Yorta artist Annie Brigdale and is led by Palawa Trawlwoolway woman Josie Gowers. Both artists live and work on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Together with Arena’s team, they bring deep cultural knowledge, creative rigour and genuine warmth to every school they visit.
Bring it to Your School
Country & Belonging is made possible through the support of the Department of Education, Agnico Eagle and the Bendigo Art Gallery. To find out about availability, costs and how to book, get in touch with Arena.
