Set within our four public secondary schools; this program enables students to make new works linked to the NSW Curriculum. Guided by leading Indigenous artists, the program provides hands-on learning experiences across dance, performance, composition, recording and visual art. Read more about our Artists-in-Residence below.
Image: Solid Ground Artworks, Party Protest Remember, 2022. Image by Joseph Mayers.
Shannon Smith, aka. Monks (Gomeroi)
Alexandria Park Community School
Monks, a Gomeroi man on Bundjalung land, is a versatile artist known for his expertise in hip-hop lyricism and digital illustration. He actively engages with his community, hosting the Black Poets Society events in Lismore and highlighting Aboriginal artists on community radio, all while constantly pursuing new creative endeavors.
Alexandria Park Community School
Monks, a Gomeroi man on Bundjalung land, is a versatile artist known for his expertise in hip-hop lyricism and digital illustration. He actively engages with his community, hosting the Black Poets Society events in Lismore and highlighting Aboriginal artists on community radio, all while constantly pursuing new creative endeavors.
Josh Sly (Biripi/Worimi/Wiradjuri)
Chifley College Dunheved Campus
Josh Sly is a proud Biripi, Worimi and Wiradjuri Man from Bathurst NSW. His family ties originate from Taree and Karuah regions on the mid north coast. Josh's language backgrounds are Gathang and Wiradjuri and his tribal totems are the Grey shark, dolphin and goanna. In 2015, Josh started J.Sly Indigenous Designs as a result of his passion and determination to learn more about his heritage and culture. He also dances and performs around Australia and overseas with the Muggera Dancers.
Chifley College Dunheved Campus
Josh Sly is a proud Biripi, Worimi and Wiradjuri Man from Bathurst NSW. His family ties originate from Taree and Karuah regions on the mid north coast. Josh's language backgrounds are Gathang and Wiradjuri and his tribal totems are the Grey shark, dolphin and goanna. In 2015, Josh started J.Sly Indigenous Designs as a result of his passion and determination to learn more about his heritage and culture. He also dances and performs around Australia and overseas with the Muggera Dancers.
Debra Beale (Palawa/Yorta Yorta/Gamilaraay/Wonnarua)
Chifley College Bidwill Campus
Debra Beale is an emerging Aboriginal female artist from the Gamilaraay/ Wonnarua and Boonwurung/ Palawa/Yorta Yorta nations across Australia. Her studio is located in Warrimoo, formally known as Karabah (Where Eagles Land), Australian Blue Mountains, Darug Nation. She is passionate about accessing and sharing her Aboriginal art and culture, using contemporary media to connect with traditional themes, through mediums such as Australian bush jewellery, paintings, sculptures, sculpture installations, photography, ceramics and textiles.
Chifley College Bidwill Campus
Debra Beale is an emerging Aboriginal female artist from the Gamilaraay/ Wonnarua and Boonwurung/ Palawa/Yorta Yorta nations across Australia. Her studio is located in Warrimoo, formally known as Karabah (Where Eagles Land), Australian Blue Mountains, Darug Nation. She is passionate about accessing and sharing her Aboriginal art and culture, using contemporary media to connect with traditional themes, through mediums such as Australian bush jewellery, paintings, sculptures, sculpture installations, photography, ceramics and textiles.
Rhyan Clapham, aka. DOBBY (Murrawarri)
Evans Highschool
DOBBY is a rapper, drummer, composer and producer, who brings a dynamic and powerful energy to his live shows delivering an experience like no other. DOBBY is a true force of nature, with his electrifying live performances leaving audiences spellbound. As a rapper, drummer, composer and producer, he brings a dynamic and powerful energy to his live shows delivering an experience like no other.
Evans Highschool
DOBBY is a rapper, drummer, composer and producer, who brings a dynamic and powerful energy to his live shows delivering an experience like no other. DOBBY is a true force of nature, with his electrifying live performances leaving audiences spellbound. As a rapper, drummer, composer and producer, he brings a dynamic and powerful energy to his live shows delivering an experience like no other.