Aidan Hartshorn leads discussions at a rock art site on Walgalu Country. Image: Julia Boyd
The Sharing Stories Arts Exchange (SSAE) is a creative participatory project focused on building positive reciprocal relationships between the Canberra community and local regional Indigenous and non-indigenous communities.
In 2026, Sharing Stories will run two Programs, to both Walgalu Country in the Tumut region of NSW and on Yuin Country, on the Far South Coast of NSW.
ABOUT – YUIN PROGRAM
The 2026 Yuin program will be held over 12 sessions from April until October and will include two field trips; 10 – 13 June & 23 – 26 September, day trips within the ACT, talks & presentations, and an exhibition presenting participant research and/or visual outcomes. This program is facilitated by Dr Amanda Stuart and Amelia Zaraftis.
ABOUT – WALGALU PROGRAM
In 2026, Sharing Stories will visit Walgalu Country with facilitators Aidan Hartshorn and Dr Amanda Stuart. This program is run over 9 sessions and will include one field trip to Walgalu Country on 13 – 16 April, day trips within the ACT, cultural awareness training and an exhibition with participants sharing visual and research outcomes.
Participants are invited to apply to either the Yuin or Walgalu Country Program. Past Sharing Stories participants are only eligible to apply for programs they have not previously completed.
The 2026 Public Information Session is on Tuesday 24 February at 5:30pm in the School of Art and Design Gallery.
Applications to the 2026 Sharing Stories program are now closed.
MORE ABOUT SHARING STORIES
Sharing Stories features culturally rich learning opportunities and events in the ACT as well as a structured creative field program visiting communities and culturally significant sites on Country.
On Yuin Country, areas visited include Beowa National Park, Davidson Whaling Station, Edrom Lodge, Jigamy Farm, Eden and surrounds.
On Walgalu Country, participants will have the opportunity to engage with local community members and visit sites including; Brungle, Blowering Dam, Snowy Hydro Wall, Yarrangobilly Caves, Talbingo and Goobarragandra River.
The core aim of the program is to build on existing shared values; learning from local First Nations people and increasing awareness and understanding of the complexities of culture and reconciliation through creative outcomes. Participants are invited to share in truth listening and truth telling as they meet and gain understanding from First Nations knowledge holders and community members. At the end of the Program, participants are also invited to share a creative outcome or artwork that reflects their experience of the Program.
REQUIREMENTS
Participation in the program is welcome from all ACT-based artists, arts workers and creatives.
There are no fees for participating in these programs, however, a contribution to field trip accommodation will be required at the beginning of the program. Further details and payment options will be provided at the Information Session. Financial assistance for the cost of accommodation is available to participants.
Enquiries: admin.somad@anu.edu.au
Sharing Stories Arts Exchange is supported by the ACT Government.
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