The new Tuggeranong art program blending First Nations wisdom and multicultural voices

Posted on 25 August, 2026

A new community art program in Tuggeranong will bring together First Nations knowledge, cultural exchange and contemporary art practice, led by acclaimed First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) artists.

Weaving Stories, Gathering Invisible Lines will take place at Tharwa Community Hall across September and October, inviting participants to connect with Country through storytelling, eco-dyeing, creative writing and mixed media artmaking.

It will also bring together four highly respected artists whose practices span cultural facilitation, textiles, writing, sculpture and community arts.

Beginning with an on-Country gathering led by Pitta Pitta Wangkamahdla woman and cultural facilitator Ronnie Jordan on Saturday 12 September, participants will learn about Indigenous knowledge systems and culturally appropriate, sustainable ways of gathering native plants and natural materials.

Those materials will then be transformed into natural dyes during a hands-on workshop with Wiradjuri artist and designer Rechelle Turner on Saturday 10 October, before participants explore storytelling through poetry and prose with Wiradjuri writer, multi-disciplinary artist, producer and First Nations Program and Outreach at Sunny Side of the Doc France, Marissa McDowell on Sunday 11 October.

The final workshops, led by Ecuadorian-born multidisciplinary artist Mariana del Castillo on Saturday 17 and Saturday 24 October, will see participants combine textiles, writing and collected materials into artist books and mixed media artworks that reflect their experience of being on Country and the cultural exchange fostered throughout the program.

Dyeing Words by Marissa McDowell, Rechelle Turner and Us Mob.

Culminating in an exhibition at Tuggeranong Arts Centre in 2027, Marissa McDowell says that creating a five-part program was an intentional choice, so each step gently builds on the last.

“The heart of it is connecting people with Country, and through that connection, supporting a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems the ones that ground and inform our ways of knowing, being, and doing,” she explains.

For Marissa, being able to guide participants from diverse cultural backgrounds through First Nations storytelling and knowledge practices means a lot.

Bringing together community members in multi-layered workshops, not only do participants get to pick up new skills, but they also get the unique opportunity to learn through the exchange of multicultural knowledge, perspectives, and creative art forms.

“It’s important to me that participants from all cultural backgrounds come to really understand why First Nations storytelling matters because it’s not just ‘stories,’ it’s knowledge in action,” she says.

“It’s grounded in connection to Country, to language, and to our roles and responsibilities. And when people feel that they don’t just learn about our knowledge systems they gain something they can carry into their own storytelling, and into how they connect with everything they do including arts.”

TAC CEO Caroline Downer says the program is an opportunity for people from different cultural backgrounds to come together through creative practice, learn from First Nations knowledge, and develop meaningful connections with Country, community and each other.

“Each workshop builds on the last, encouraging participants to share stories, explore sustainable artmaking techniques and create work that reflects their own experiences.”

With the final exhibition slated for March 2027, Marissa says that it gives something exciting for everyone – participants and facilitators – to work towards.

“The bigger thing I hope lasts beyond those dates is that the broader Tuggeranong community can genuinely feel how enriching multicultural and multidisciplinary exchange can be especially when First Nations and other cultures are in the room together, and the door is open for everyone to participate.”

As for what participants take away from the program?

“I’d love for participants to leave with a beautiful piece of artwork that they’ve created, something they’re proud to exhibit and take home,” says Marissa.

“And just as importantly, I want them to walk away with newly developed skills, and a deeper understanding of and connection to First Nations knowledge systems, cultures, and arts practices. Ideally it stays with them long after the program ends.”

Workshop dates

On-Country Gathering with Ronnie Jordan – Saturday 12 September

Led by First Nations facilitator Ronnie Jordan, in this on-Country gathering and storytelling session, participants will learn about Indigenous knowledge systems, including culturally appropriate and sustainable methods of collecting native plants and materials.

Eco-Dyeing Workshop with Rechelle Turner – Saturday 10 October

Use collected materials in a guided eco-dyeing workshop with Wiradjuri textile artist and designer Rechelle Turner. Create natural dyes and apply them to fabrics and paper. The process of preparing and cooking dye baths will encourage storytelling and the sharing.

Creative Writing with Marissa McDowell – Sunday 11 October

Led by Marissa McDowell, reflect on your experiences through creative writing. Using poetry and prose, explore storytelling as a tool for self-expression, connection, and reflection, with the option to incorporate their writing into their final artworks.

Visual Art Making with Mariana del Castillo – Saturday 17 and 24 October

In the final two workshops, participants will bring together their writing, textiles, and paper to create resolved works. Led by Ecuadorian-born mixed media artist and sculptor Mariana del Castillo, participants will investigate techniques such as stitching, collage, assemblage, and bookbinding, to create artist books and other art pieces that reflect their experience of being on Country and insights gained through cultural exchange.

Feature image of Eco-dyed silk from Marissa McDowell and Us Mob’s Soil to Silk project by Marissa McDowell