Brooker C1, Shaw G1, Gibson M1, Taylor J1
1The University Of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
As a dedicated and experienced Project Officer in the field of Higher Education, Melanie Gibson has been making significant contributions to the student experience landscape for the past seven years. With a passion for driving positive change, Melanie has been instrumental in various initiatives that have positively impacted students, staff at an institution wide level.
To welcome the largest cohort of international students since the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Newcastle collaborated with Study NSW to create the inspiring ‘All Cultures Weave’ artwork program. This initiative commenced at the City of Newcastle welcome event, which saw students from over 30+ countries actively engage in crafting individual weaving art pieces that reflected their unique cultural styles and practices. Using raffia, a traditional weaving material, participants skilfully intertwined various colours and textures into elegant hoops.
The University of Newcastle Wollotuka institute, University Gallery, staff and international students worked together to develop an art sculpture that would speak to traditional cultural practices from all nations, designed using Australian First Nation knowledges around collective artmaking and weaving. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Australian First Nation knowledge on collective artmaking and weaving, this endeavour became a heartfelt tribute to the first Inhabitants of Muloobinba (Newcastle), a place of sea ferns. It not only honoured the perspectives and meanings held by the First Nations but also seamlessly incorporated the cherished cultural practices of international students.
The All Cultures Weave artwork is featured in the University of Newcastle City Campus atrium. The University of Newcastle and Study NSW have an ongoing commitment to expand this program to include future incoming international student cohorts. The All Cultures Weave art sculpture is a unique permanent fixture at the University City Campus and will be a place for Alum international students to return to as a reminder of their time in Newcastle.
Biography:
Jackie is an accomplished Senior Executive with over 20 years’ experience in supporting internationalisation through education in Australia, South, Southeast, and North Asia, Europe and the Americas. She is renowned for her passion in supporting international students to maximise their opportunities while studying in Australia.