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.
Nathan Leslie
Chifley Bidwill Campus
Nathan, a proud Gamilaroi and Mandandanji descendant, began his dance journey in 1999, studying at ACPA under Michael Leslie and graduating from WAAPA. He has performed at major events and festivals across Australia, working with renowned choreographers and directors. Nathan is passionate about teaching dance in youth community contexts and conducts workshops that aim to heal, inspire, and raise aspirations through arts and cultural practices. He sees himself as a conduit for his ancestors and ancestral beings, guiding him on his path in dance and culture.
Chifley Bidwill Campus
Nathan, a proud Gamilaroi and Mandandanji descendant, began his dance journey in 1999, studying at ACPA under Michael Leslie and graduating from WAAPA. He has performed at major events and festivals across Australia, working with renowned choreographers and directors. Nathan is passionate about teaching dance in youth community contexts and conducts workshops that aim to heal, inspire, and raise aspirations through arts and cultural practices. He sees himself as a conduit for his ancestors and ancestral beings, guiding him on his path in dance and culture.
Luke Patterson
Chifley Dunheved Campus
Luke Patterson is a Gamilaroi poet, educator and musician living on Gadigal lands. His poetry has appeared in Cordite, Plumwood Mountain, Rabbit, Running Dog and The Suburban Review. Luke’s research and creative pursuits are grounded in extensive work with First Nations and other community-based organisations across Australia.
Chifley Dunheved Campus
Luke Patterson is a Gamilaroi poet, educator and musician living on Gadigal lands. His poetry has appeared in Cordite, Plumwood Mountain, Rabbit, Running Dog and The Suburban Review. Luke’s research and creative pursuits are grounded in extensive work with First Nations and other community-based organisations across Australia.