Art Education Australia is committed to culturally responsive approaches to visual art education. For educators who are not First Peoples of Australia, approaching this content authentically and respectfully with your students can be daunting. Advice and support can be found here.

This resource is intended for years 7-10 and in it we use the Australian Curriculum: The Arts: Visual Arts (Version 9.0) to develop:

• conceptual and perceptual ideas and representations through design and inquiry processes 

• knowledge and skills in using visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials 

• critical and creative thinking skills through engagement with and development of visual arts practice  

• respect for and acknowledgment of the diverse roles, innovations, traditions, histories and cultures of artists, craftspeople and designers; visual arts as social and cultural practices; and industry as artists and audiences 

• confidence, curiosity, imagination and enjoyment 

• personal expression through engagement with visual arts practice and ways of representing and communicating. (Australian Curriculum: The Arts: Understanding this learning area: Visual Arts, 2024)

We know that talking about feelings is inherently risky: it’s letting someone into your inner world. But Josh's life and artworks might raise some big feelings that need talking about. If you need to talk about anything it might help to connect with others such as your teacher, a trusted friend or family member about your feelings.

All students can access Kids Helpline for anonymous and free support 24/7. You can also access Beyond Blue

For students who are First Peoples, you can also contact 13 YARN

We would like to thank the Koorie Heriatage Trust staff and the AEA committee members for contributing to the development of this resource.

Most importantly, we would like to thank Josh Muir for his amazing life and body of work, and his family for supporting this project.

Josh tragically died in 2022 at the age of 30, leaving behind a prolific catalogue of work and a strong First Peoples voice, as well as his life partner, Shanaya Sheridan, a Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Boon Wurrung woman, and their two young child. His family have given permission for his image, name and work to be used to continue his legacy. To find out more about Josh Muir and how his identity, experiences and values influenced his art, click here.

To find out more about Koorie Heritage Trust, click here.