First Nations art program to create new career pathways
Published on 13 June 2025
Talented local First Nations students will have the opportunity to kickstart their careers in visual arts after being selected to participate in the Koori Kids Art After School program at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery.
The students from Bomaderry, Nowra, Shoalhaven, Ulladulla and Vincentia High Schools were chosen by their teachers to take part in the eight-week program being hosted by the gallery in Nowra.
Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White said the students will be mentored by renowned artists to create artworks that explore the concept of ‘identity.’
“The Koori Kids program presents a fantastic opportunity for the students to nurture their talent and create a portfolio of work that will be displayed at the gallery later in the year,” Cr White said.
“The students will be mentored by accomplished artists during the program, to hone their skills, develop new techniques and inspire them to pursue their artistic endeavours beyond their school years,” she said.
“I’m excited to see the students’ final works and am pleased we can help to create pathways for local young people to explore their creativity and achieve their career goals,” she said.
The students will work on masks, video and photography and totem poles during the program, with mentoring from First Nations artists Karla Dickens, Jaz Corr and Warwick Keen.
The program will run from 12 June to 8 August with the students’ artworks to be displayed in an exhibition at the gallery from 23 August until 18 October.
For more information about the Koori Kids Art After School Program and upcoming events and exhibitions visit the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery website.