In early December 2024, we welcomed artist Alison Simpson to the School of Art and Design as the inaugural Sharing Stories Visiting Artist. Alison is from the Galare (Kalarie) people of the Wiradyuri Nation, from Central NSW, as well as Birapa Birapa and Wemba Wemba from North-West Victoria. Alison is an artist, community leader and Co-CEO of Two Fold Aboriginal Corporation.  

During her 2-day residency, Alison worked with academics Kate Hill in hand built and wheel thrown ceramics and Akie Haga in flameworked glass. The residency offered Alison an opportunity to work in three-dimensional mediums and expand her creative practice into glass and ceramics, while exchanging ideas and sharing First Nations knowledge with staff at SOAD. 

The work Alison made in ceramics and glass drew on her Aboriginal culture, community and family connections. Working in glass, Alison sculpted a flame worked platypus and turtle, animals which are culturally significant to Alison and her family. 

Alison concluded her visit participating as a panel speaker at the AAANZ Conference, speaking with Dr Amanda Stuart, Aidan Hartshorn and Kate Hill in their presentation Cultural Conduits: Connecting Local and International First Nations Knowledges and Arts Practices. 

The Sharing Stories Visiting Artist Program is supported by ACT Government.