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Combine your passion for Country and culture

A degree in Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art invests Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with the skills and techniques to become professional artists and take on today's art world in all its various forms. In this unique degree, you'll learn from Indigenous lecturers and focus on traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, media, style, principles and philosophies. Through your studies in Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art, you'll explore the diversity of modern-day Indigenous art practice, and gain deep insights into contemporary culture and political art.

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Study contemporary Australian Indigenous art at Griffith

Learn from the best

Bianca Beetson leads a dedicated team of CAIA staff. Her work has been exhibited across the country and strongly reflects her identity as an Indigenous Australian.

In your first year, you’ll gain a solid foundation in art practice, visual culture, contemporary Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and the culture and issues represented. Continue the family-oriented approach to your studies in your second and third years with complementary studio electives, from painting and sculpture to photography, installation and electronic media.

Choose your own path

Your study will be based on research into your own family history and traditions. Our teaching respects Aboriginal protocols concerning the ways in which techniques and images may be used.

You’ll also complete an award major from choices that include:

  • Creative advertising photography
  • Drawing
  • Jewellery and small objects
  • Painting
  • Photographic art practice
  • Photojournalism and documentary practice
  • Print media
  • Sculpture

Exhibitions and artist talks

You’ll enjoy access to an exciting calendar of on-campus exhibitions, guest lectures, master classes and artist talks. You’ll also have unique opportunities to exhibit, screen and sell your work in our campus galleries.

5-Star Rated

Creative Arts at Griffith is rated 5-stars for Educational Experience and Teaching Quality by the Good Universities Guide 2018, a leading independent provider of high-quality education and career information.

Dale Harding

Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art graduate

Dale's ability to fuse traditional craft forms with political and cultural themes has won over fans and art critics alike, with his work shown throughout the country at galleries including GOMA and the Museum of Contemporary Art. 'Graduating from the Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art gave me not only the framework, but also the skills, to develop in my studio practice and enhance my ability to write and speak about my work. It provided a platform to bounce off a number of shows nationally every year since I graduated. It has been great!'

Dale Harding

Study options

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Degrees Campus OP rank
Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art South Bank
Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art (Honours) South Bank
Doctor of Visual Arts South Bank
Master of Visual Arts South Bank
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It is important to check the degree requirements including placement requirements, before you apply.

Scholarships

Over 600 Scholarships available

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Career outcomes

With a Griffith CAIA degree, you'll enter the professional contemporary art environment with a folio of work demonstrating your competence in Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge, technical skills, media and contemporary technologies.

You'll be fully prepared to work as an art practitioner, gallerist or curator. You may choose to continue your studies through honours or a postgraduate degree to pursue a career in art education.

Griffith CAIA graduates continue to win international accolades for their creativity, motivation and professional approach to their career development.

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Key dates

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Monday 25 February — Saturday 8 June

Trimester 1: Teaching and exams

Includes study and exam period from Monday 27 May to Saturday 8 June.

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Sunday 7 April — Monday 8 April

Adelaide Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Adelaide Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Thursday 2 May — Sunday 5 May

Melbourne VCE and Careers Expo

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Melbourne VCE and Careers Expo to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Monday 13 May — Thursday 16 May

Mature Student Open Evenings

If you’re considering further study, get the right advice and information you need at our January Mature Student Open Evenings. No matter whether you're returning to university after a few years off, starting study for the first time or looking for a postgraduate degree to further your career, we can help.

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Thursday 23 May — Thursday 23 May

Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Tuesday 11 June — Tuesday 11 June

Discover Griffith

Get a taste of university life at our Discover Griffith event. Designed for Year 12 students, their parents and families, this event helps answer questions about what to expect on your journey to university and deciding on the right study path.

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Thursday 13 June — Thursday 13 June

Discover Griffith

Get a taste of university life at our Discover Griffith event. Designed for Year 12 students, their parents and families, this event helps answer questions about what to expect on your journey to university and deciding on the right study path.

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Monday 1 July — Friday 5 July

Trimester 2: Orientation

Get the right start and find out everything you need to know about starting at Griffith.

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Monday 8 July — Friday 4 October

Trimester 2: Teaching and exams

Includes study and exam period from Tuesday 8 October to Saturday 19 October.

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Monday 8 July — Friday 12 July

Q&A Sessions

Do you have questions about studying at Griffith? Book a personalised 30-minute Q&A session with one of our expert study advisers to get advice about your study options, available scholarships and support services.

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Saturday 20 July — Sunday 21 July

Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO)

TSXPO is for anyone considering further study. Talk to our academic and professional staff about our degrees, flexible study options, admission pathways, how to apply, scholarships and support services. Entry is free.

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Tuesday 23 July — Tuesday 23 July

Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Monday 5 August — Monday 5 August

Townsville Careers Expo

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Townsville Careers Expo to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Sunday 11 August — Sunday 11 August

Open Day

On Open Day, you’ll find general information about all our degrees at each campus, as well as essential information about student support services, admissions, scholarships and postgraduate studies. It’s a great time to get to know our campuses, experience life at Griffith, explore your study options and find the information you need to make a decision about your future.

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Monday 9 September — Tuesday 10 September

Mature Student Open Evenings

If you’re considering further study, get the right advice and information you need at our January Mature Student Open Evenings. No matter whether you're returning to university after a few years off, starting study for the first time or looking for a postgraduate degree to further your career, we can help.

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Thursday 12 September — Thursday 12 September

Mature Student Open Evenings

If you’re considering further study, get the right advice and information you need at our January Mature Student Open Evenings. No matter whether you're returning to university after a few years off, starting study for the first time or looking for a postgraduate degree to further your career, we can help.

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Monday 23 September — Friday 4 October

Q&A Sessions

Do you have questions about studying at Griffith? Book a personalised 30-minute Q&A session with one of our expert study advisers to get advice about your study options, available scholarships and support services.

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Monday 21 October — Friday 25 October

Trimester 3: Orientation

Get the right start and find out everything you need to know about starting at Griffith.

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Tuesday 29 October — Thursday 31 October

Application Support Nights

Need help with your university application? Receive personalised advice and assistance from one of our expert study advisers to start and/or complete your university application.

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Monday 16 December — Thursday 19 December

Explore your options

If your OP or ATAR result changes your direction, chat online with our expert study advisers to explore your study options. Find out about admissions pathways, entry requirements and changing your preferences.

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