{"id":39058,"date":"2026-06-08T13:03:02","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T05:03:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/?post_type=futures-platform&p=39058"},"modified":"2026-06-08T13:36:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T05:36:29","slug":"2026-indigenous-futures-artwork-competition-and-reconciliaction-exhibition-celebrates-indigenous-storytelling-truth-telling-and-connection","status":"publish","type":"futures-platform","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/futures-platform\/2026-indigenous-futures-artwork-competition-and-reconciliaction-exhibition-celebrates-indigenous-storytelling-truth-telling-and-connection\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Indigenous Futures Artwork Competition and \u2018ReconciliAction\u2019 Exhibition celebrates Indigenous storytelling, truth-telling and connection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Faculty of Humanities\u2019 2026 Indigenous Futures Artwork Competition and ReconciliAction Exhibition has once again brought powerful stories to life through art, culture and connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s winning artwork, Connecting on Country<\/em>, was created by T-Keia Dearden, a Whadjuk woman and second year Bachelor of Education student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspired by the connections formed through studying at Curtin, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms Dearden said the work was centred on the connections people form with one another at Curtin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2026 Indigenous Futures Artwork Competition Winner, T-Keia Dearden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe all come from many different paths and stages in life, and we all have our own stories to share,\u201d Ms Dearden said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is through studying at Curtin that we learn from one another through yarning, collaboration, mentorship, and the friendships we build along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to a monetary prize, Ms Dearden\u2019s artwork will be recognised, exhibited and permanently displayed on campus, embedding student storytelling into the heart of Curtin life and creating a lasting legacy for future students, staff and visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the first time, a People\u2019s Choice winner was also announced, with Ms Dearden\u2019s Connecting on Country<\/em> and student Vanessa Burns\u2019 Wagyl<\/em> artwork receiving equal recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n