Teacher Professional Learning | The Story Behind the Fabric with Collective Closets

Join sisters Fatuma and Laurinda Ndenzako, collaborators, textile designers and the brains behind Collective Closets in this vibrant workshop as part of our Teacher Professional Learning series coinciding with our new  exhibition, Tschabalala Self: Skin Tight. 

In this engaging workshop, Collective Closets will guide teachers through the vibrant world of textile storytelling, with a focus on African fabric culture. Participants will delve into the rich history behind Shuka patterns, uncover the deep connections between artisans and their craft, and explore how contemporary fashion incorporates these traditions.

Participants will have the opportunity to create dynamic mixed-media artworks, blending fabric samples with collage materials to express their own creativity. This hands-on program invites teachers to explore the powerful intersection of art, culture, storytelling, and textiles, offering a fresh, creative approach to connecting with students.

This workshop is open to the general public.

Learning intentions

• Connect curriculum expectations with creative practice in real-world teaching

• Build confidence in creative experimentation with materials and techniques to support student understanding of visual language and conceptual thinking.

• Research how traditional and contemporary fashion practices can inform personal and classroom-based art-making.

• Explore the application of art elements and principles (such as pattern, texture, and composition) in relation to textiles and visual artwork.

• Engage in conversation around how textiles and collage can convey symbolic meanings, cultural values, and individual identity.

• Support teachers to critically reflect on their own practice and student learning

• Explore how personal, cultural, and social influences shape individual style and impact creativity.

• Reflect on how the skills and insights from this workshop can be integrated into primary and secondary classroom practice, allowing students to explore their own expressive approaches to textiles and visual art.

• Support teachers to critically reflect on their own practice and student learning

AITSL Standards:
Standard 2: Know the content and how to teach it
(2.1) Apply knowledge of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area to develop engaging teaching activities.

Standard 6: Engage in professional learning
(6.2) Participate in learning to update knowledge and practice, targeted to professional needs and school and/or system priorities.

6.4 Undertake professional learning programs designed to address identified student learning needs.

Standard 6: Professional Engagement

(7.4) Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

TICKETS
General Public: $25
Student Teacher $10 + GST
Teacher $15 + GST
Free for regional teachers

Recommended for Primary and Secondary Visual Art Teachers. Pre-Service Teachers are also welcome.

Regional teachers: we’re pleased to be offering a limited number of free spots! To secure a limited free ticket please email education@acca.melbourne and tell us a little about yourself and your school community.

Image: Courtesy Collective Closets