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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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Frequently Unasked Questions

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Study contemporary Australian Indigenous art at Griffith

This degree is planned in accordance with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander principles and philosophies. Teaching respects Aboriginal protocols concerning the ways in which techniques and images may be used.

Your study will be based on research into your own family history and traditions. You’ll undertake field trips to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and study contemporary culture and politics. 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.

Choose your own path

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 it represents. In your second and third years you’ll continue the integrated, family-oriented approach to the study of Australian Indigenous art along with complementary studio electives including painting, sculpture, photography, installation and electronic media.

You’ll also complete a major of your choice in:

  • Expanded Practice
  • Photographic Art Practice
  • Studio Art (painting, drawing, print, sculpture, jewellery and small objects)

Exhibitions and artist talks

You’ll have access to an exciting calendar of on-campus exhibitions, guest lectures, masterclasses and artist talks. You’ll also have unique opportunities to exhibit, screen and sell your work through our Galleries programs.

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.

Kim Ah Sam: Graduate success for emerging artist

Queensland College of Art graduate Kim Ah Sam was one of 18 emerging artists from across Australia chosen to exhibit at the 2019 Hatched National Graduate Show. The prestigious exhibition at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art has been running since 1992 and showcases the country’s best up-and-coming artists.

Image: Kim Ah Sam, Weaving my story through country, 2018, Weaving 79 cm x 55 cm x 61cm

Study options

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Degrees Campus OP
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 Arts in 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

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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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Life at Griffith

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News

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07 Jan 2020

Griffith film alumnus appointed to SQ board

Read more about Griffith film alumnus appointed to SQ board

07 Jan 2020

Art lecturer completes residency at QAGOMA

Read more about Art lecturer completes residency at QAGOMA

Key dates

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Monday 28 October — Saturday 15 February

Trimester 3: Teaching and exams

Includes study and exam period from Monday 3 February to Saturday 15 February.

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Tuesday 28 January — Thursday 30 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 you find the right study path.

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Monday 17 February — Friday 21 February

Trimester 1: Orientation

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Monday 24 February — Monday 24 February

Trimester 1: Teaching and exams

Includes study and exam period from Thursday 28 May to Friday 6 June.

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Friday 8 May — Saturday 9 May

Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo

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Monday 11 May — Thursday 14 May

Mature Student Open Evenings

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Wednesday 13 May — Thursday 14 May

Gold Coast Careers Festival

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Thursday 21 May — Thursday 21 May

Cairns Youth and Careers Expo

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Monday 22 June — Wednesday 24 June

Trimester 2: Orientation

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Monday 29 June — Saturday 10 October

Trimester 2: Teaching and exams

Includes study and exam period from Thursday 1 October to Saturday 10 October.

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Saturday 18 July — Sunday 19 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 21 July — Tuesday 21 July

Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo

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Monday 3 August — Monday 3 August

Townsville Careers Expo

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Sunday 9 August — Sunday 9 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 14 September — Thursday 17 September

Mature Student Open Evenings

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Monday 19 October — Friday 23 October

Trimester 3: Orientation

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Saturday 12 December — Thursday 17 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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