Celebrating Friendship, Culture, and Connection Through Art

We are thrilled to announce the completion of an artwork exchange between Goodooga Central School (GCS) and IGS. On Friday, 24 November IGS Coordinator of Indigenous Partnerships Lucy Howard-Shibuya hand delivered a beautiful artwork completed by the students at GCS as a gift to IGS. 

Two people stand indoors, smiling and holding a colourful Aboriginal-inspired artwork that celebrates culture and friendship with footprints, geometric patterns, and vibrant shapes on a black background.

The story of this painting began in May when students from IGS and GCS, together with Wiradjuri artist Bianca Caldwell, commenced a joint artistic venture on Country at IGS. Later, the unfinished GCS canvas made its way back to Yuwaalaraay Country where it was lovingly completed. The painting tells the story of the Goodooga students’ journey to IGS earlier this year from Yuwaalaraay Country and river country there. It also shows the meeting place of both schools coming together. 

Two people sit at a table painting a large canvas with colourful abstract and traditional patterns, celebrating art and culture. Art supplies and bottles of paint are scattered around as their friendship grows in this creative classroom setting.

Accepting the painting on behalf of IGS, Head of High School Anthony Dennehy said, “This exchange of paintings stands as a powerful reminder of the bridges we build through shared experiences, stories, and art. It goes beyond geographical boundaries, serving as a visual representation of the bonds forged between two schools, their students, and the diverse cultures they represent.”

An artwork created by IGS Koori students also adorns the front office at GCS. It’s a testament to the mutual exchange of creativity and cultural expression that took place during this project.

Collage showing people in Ultimo collaboratively painting colourful, abstract dot and pattern art on canvases; close-ups of hands painting and finished artworks inspired by Indigenous Australian styles, highlighting shapes, lines, and dots from Goodooga art.

We extend our gratitude to the students, teachers, and artists who participated in this project. 

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