A+G and UC: A Partnership in Creative Education

A New Way of Working

Ainslie + Gorman proudly partnered with the University of Canberra (UC) to launch an innovative pilot program supporting UC’s Creative Arts Principles unit. This second-year course is designed for preservice primary educators pursuing careers as Creative Arts Specialists, equipping them to inspire creativity and foster self-expression in their future classrooms.

Dr. Naomi Zouwer, a UC lecturer, collaborated with Ainslie + Gorman to reimagine traditional lectures, instead offering students immersive, place-based learning experiences. Six UC students participated in two co-designed workshops held at the Gorman Arts Centre, alongside workshops led by Canberra Youth Theatre (CYT) and QL2 Dance, two of Gorman’s resident arts organisations.

A Collaborative Exchange of Ideas

In the first session, creative arts leaders—including Anna Johnstone and Luke Rogers (CYT), Claudia Hogan and Sia Ahmad (Ainslie + Gorman), Ruth Osborne (QL2 Dance), and Gorman studio artist Nicci Haynes—hosted a dynamic “speed dating” conversation. This format explored how various art forms can intersect and inform one another. The UC students received invaluable feedback on their creative concepts, which responded to the inquiry question:

‘How can teachers of the creating and performing arts allow their students a safe place to use their imagination, express their identities, and understand the world around them?’

Ideas flowed and the students went on to develop their works for a pop exhibition in F block at Gorman Arts Centre.   

Engaging the Community: The Pop-Up Exhibition

Two weeks later, the students unveiled their creations—ranging from animations and dioramas to paintings, embroideries, and a quilt installation—at a vibrant pop-up exhibition in F Block. This event brought together the creative arts mentors, 15 Year 6 students, and their teachers from Ainslie Primary School.

The young attendees actively engaged with the artworks, offering feedback through conversations and post-it notes. Leila, a Year 6 student, shared her excitement:

“There were 6 exhibitions and all of them were amazing. Every art piece was different! …The artists were all studying to be creative arts teachers and it was our job to give them feedback. We asked them different questions like what they were trying to achieve and why they want to be a creative arts teacher. Some of the answers we got were to make children feel safe, to teach children to imagine and to teach people that they are beautiful no matter what.” 

Reflecting on the Impact

Dr. Zouwer praised the program’s success, stating, “UC students found this place-based learning extremely beneficial. They created networks and tested their ideas in a creative and supportive environment.”

Ainslie + Gorman is honoured to have facilitated this enriching initiative, which fostered meaningful exchanges between emerging educators, established artists, and young learners. Witnessing the growth of all participants and the cross-pollination of ideas underscores the transformative power of the arts.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the University of Canberra, Canberra Youth Theatre, QL2 Dance, Ainslie Primary School, and all involved in this inspiring collaboration. Together, we continue to ignite creativity, nurture educators, and celebrate the arts in our community.

This story is backdated to March 2024.