Artworks leave a lasting cultural imprint through 2026 Indigenous Futures Exhibition 

The 2026 Indigenous Futures Artwork Competition and ‘ReconciliAction’ Exhibition has returned for its third year, transforming student artwork into a powerful reminder of culture, connection and place.

More than an annual exhibition, ReconciliAction creates a space where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student voices are seen, heard and woven into the life of Curtin. Through art, students are invited to share stories of identity, Country, memory and belonging, while the wider university community is invited to listen, reflect and engage.

This year’s first place artwork, Connecting on Country, was created by T-Keia Dearden, a Whadjuk woman and second year Bachelor of Education student. Inspired by the relationships formed through studying at Curtin, the artwork reflects the many paths, stories and connections that shape the student experience. It speaks to the friendships, mentorship, collaboration and moments of yarning that help students learn from one another and grow together.

“We all come from many different paths and stages in life, and we all have our own stories to share,” Ms Dearden said.

“This 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.”

As the first place artwork, Connecting on Country is exhibited and displayed adjacent to Level 1, Building 209, Faculty of Humanities, ensuring Ms Dearden’s story continues to be part of Curtin’s physical and cultural landscape. The competition also recognised Tannah Shehan, who received second place for Reconnection, and Crystal Quartermine, who received third place for Seven Sisters. Together, the three winning works reflect the strength, depth and diversity of Indigenous student storytelling across the Curtin community.

For the first time, the exhibition also introduced a People’s Choice Award, with Ms Dearden’s Connecting on Country and Vanessa Burns’ Wagyl artwork receiving equal recognition. 

Curtin’s Faculty of Humanities Indigenous Futures Dean, Associate Professor Mandy Downing, said the exhibition honours Aboriginal artwork and affirms Indigenous sovereignty, while creating space for Indigenous stories, perspectives and lived experiences to be expressed through creativity and culture.

For Associate Professor Downing, ReconciliAction is not only about displaying artwork. It is about making cultural presence visible across the university and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges are respected, celebrated and embedded in shared spaces.

“Together, we are building spaces that foster belonging, celebrate cultural pride, and embody genuine ReconciliAction.”

The exhibition also contributes to the ongoing work of Indigenising settler colonial spaces across Curtin. By foregrounding Indigenous student artwork, ReconciliAction helps shift university spaces into places of recognition, visibility and cultural learning.

Faculty of Humanities Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Blythe said the exhibition reflects the kind of university community Curtin continues to work towards.

“One that values truth telling, embraces diverse perspectives, and understands the important role education plays in shaping a more inclusive and respectful future,” Professor Blythe said.

He said the exhibition had continued to grow in both scale and significance, creating space for stories that challenge, inspire and deepen understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and lived experiences.

As the exhibition continues to grow, its impact reaches beyond the walls of the gallery. Each artwork becomes part of a larger story about place, connection and responsibility, reminding the Curtin community that reconciliAction is not a single moment, but an ongoing commitment made visible through everyday spaces.

The 2026 Indigenous Futures ReconciliAction Exhibition is located in the Collaboration Hub, Level 1, Building 418, Curtin University, Bentley. The exhibition is open to the public until 3 July 2026.

2026 Indigenous Futures Artwork Competition and ‘ReconciliAction’ Exhibition Highlights