This unit will investigate the creative practices and industries of Northern Australia, the rich diversity of arts and culture, informed by physical and human environments in central and north Australia, and the interconnections with neighbouring territories in South-East Asia.
Students will experience, observe and evaluate art produced through a variety of creative practices and disciplines, from multiple cultural perspectives, with particular focus on Indigenous perspectives, and presented in a range of media, including visual arts, performing arts, screen and digital arts and creative writing and festivals.
The unit helps students to gain an understanding of the breadth of the creative sector in the region and then to undertake a research project on one aspect. Students select a creative practitioner, an artwork or an arts centre or organisation from the region to research. Students explore the cultural, philosophical, political and/or socio-economic influences on the practitioner, the artwork or the arts organisation as well as the creative, technical, production and business processes involved in preparing and presenting the work for audiences.
Students will share their research with their peers, engage in critical discussion of the contemporary creative landscape of Northern Australia and consider the culturally diverse viewpoints presented, the current challenges and opportunities relating to socio-economic factors, resourcing and sustainable workforce and potential future directions for the creative sector in this region.
This unit will offer students field trip opportunities to explore the creative sector in Darwin and surrounds, such as the Darwin Festival and the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, as well as other NT arts, film, music and literacy fairs and festivals.
