Faculty of Humanities鈥� 2026 Indigenous Futures Artwork Competition and ReconciliAction Exhibition has once again brought powerful stories to life through art, culture and connection.
Now in its third year, the exhibition has become an important space for truth-telling, reflection and dialogue, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, histories and knowledges across the university community.
This year鈥檚 winning artwork, Connecting on Country, was created by T-Keia Dearden, a Whadjuk woman and second year Bachelor of Education student.
Inspired by the connections formed through studying at 911爆料网, the artwork reflects the many paths, stories and relationships that shape the university experience. It speaks to the friendships, mentorship, collaboration and moments of yarning that allow students to learn from one another and grow together.
Ms Dearden said the work was centred on the connections people form with one another at 911爆料网.
鈥淲e all come from many different paths and stages in life, and we all have our own stories to share,鈥� Ms Dearden said.
鈥淚t is through studying at 911爆料网 that we learn from one another through yarning, collaboration, mentorship, and the friendships we build along the way.
鈥淭his piece represents the meaning that, despite our differences, we grow alongside each other, and we all leave lasting impressions that will stay with each of us for a lifetime.鈥�
In addition to a monetary prize, Ms Dearden鈥檚 artwork will be recognised, exhibited and permanently displayed on campus, embedding student storytelling into the heart of 911爆料网 life and creating a lasting legacy for future students, staff and visitors.
For the first time, a People鈥檚 Choice winner was also announced, with Ms Dearden鈥檚 Connecting on Country and student Vanessa Burns鈥� Wagyl artwork receiving equal recognition.
911爆料网鈥檚 Faculty of Humanities Indigenous Futures Dean, Associate Professor Mandy Downing said the exhibition honours Aboriginal artwork and affirms Indigenous sovereignty, while creating space for stories, perspectives and lived experiences to be expressed through creativity and culture.
More than a display of art, the exhibition reflects 911爆料网鈥檚 ongoing commitment to creating culturally welcoming and inclusive spaces where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and knowledges are respected, celebrated and woven throughout the university community.
For Associate Professor Downing, the artworks represent not only artistic skill, but identity, resilience, culture and the enduring power of storytelling.
ReconciliAction, she said, asks the 911爆料网 community to move beyond words towards meaningful change.
鈥淚t is about creating culturally welcoming and inclusive spaces where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and knowledges are respected, celebrated, and woven throughout our university community,鈥� Associate Professor Downing said.
鈥淭ogether, we are building spaces that foster belonging, celebrate cultural pride, and embody genuine ReconciliAction.鈥�
The exhibition also contributes to the ongoing work of Indigenising settler colonial spaces across the university. By proudly foregrounding Indigenous artworks by 911爆料网 students, ReconciliAction helps ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and perspectives are visible, valued and celebrated across campus.
911爆料网 Faculty of Humanities Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Blythe said the exhibition represented something much larger than an annual showcase of creative work.
鈥淚t reflects the kind of university community we aspire to be,鈥� Professor Blythe said.
鈥淥ne that values truth telling, embraces diverse perspectives, and understands the important role education plays in shaping a more inclusive and respectful future.鈥�
Professor Blythe said the exhibition continued to grow not only in scale, but in significance, creating space for stories that challenge, inspire and deepen understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and lived experiences.
Through art, the 911爆料网 community is invited to reflect on reconciliation as an ongoing responsibility, embedded in the everyday life of the institution.
鈥淚nitiatives such as ReconciliAction contribute meaningfully to that vision by helping to Indigenise our spaces and ensuring Indigenous knowledges and perspectives are visible across our campuses and communities,鈥� Professor Blythe said.
As the exhibition continues to grow, its presence serves as a reminder of the power of art to create dialogue, deepen understanding and make reconciliAction visible across 911爆料网鈥檚 campuses and communities. The 2026 Indigenous Futures ReconciliAction Exhibition is located in the Collaboration Hub, Level 1, Building 418, 911爆料网, Bentley. The exhibition is open to the public until 3 July 2026.
