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Professional development and short courses
- We offer a range of professional development courses.
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Griffith Online
- Our online degrees are delivered 100% online, giving you control over where and when you study.
- Study 100% online
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. In this unique degree, you'll learn from Indigenous lecturers and focus on traditional Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art media, styles and forms.
Through your studies in Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art, you'll explore the diversity of modern Indigenous art practice, and gain deep insights into contemporary culture and political art.
Virtual Open House and Open Day
Join us on campus, online or both to explore our degrees and get all the information you need to start planning your future.
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 have the chance to undertake field trips to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and study contemporary culture and politics.
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.
Learn from the best
Dr Carol McGregor leads a dedicated team of CAIA staff. Her work has been exhibited across the country and strongly reflects her identity as an Indigenous Australian.
We’re proud to deliver an outstanding education that supports our students in facing the future with confidence, competence and the knowledge and skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Exhibitions and artist talks
You’ll have unique opportunities to exhibit, screen and sell your work through our Galleries programs. You’ll also have access to an exciting calendar of guest lectures, masterclasses, artist talks, as well as on-campus exhibitions.
Applications
You can apply either through QTAC or directly to the QCA. Whether you apply through QTAC or directly to the QCA, you’ll be sent an application form, which you should complete and return to the QCA along with a folio of your artwork. You’ll be required to provide a reference from someone in your community to support your application and you’ll also be required to attend the QCA for an interview before the degree starts.
Dylan Sarra
Gooreng Gooreng artist and Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art (CAIA) student, Dylan Sarra was a finalist in the prestigious 2020 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA). The awards showcase the best Australian Indigenous art from emerging and established artists around the country.
Dylan said his studies at Griffith have had a profound impact on his development as an artist.
“I came to the QCA as a mature-age student and it has helped me find my voice. It’s not about what you are creating, but learning to understand why. CAIA is unique, and it’s given me a sense of community. There is such a strong network and everyone encourages each other.”
Bleach festival
Three-year partnership with Bleach* Festival to provide extensive practical experience to Griffith students from 2019
Career outcomes
With a Griffith CAIA degree, you'll enter the professional contemporary art environment with a folio of work that demonstrates your competence in Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge, skills and media, and in contemporary technologies.
Graduates have the necessary skills to perform effectively in professional contemporary art practice environments. You’ll be 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.
Life at Griffith
You can gain more than just a degree at Griffith. With plenty of opportunities to balance life and study, you can make memories and mates to last a lifetime.
19 Jul 2021
Large contingent of Griffith athletes bound for Olympics
Read more about Large contingent of Griffith athletes bound for Olympics
16 Jul 2021
Exhibition honours Griffith’s first Aboriginal art graduate
Read more about Exhibition honours Griffith’s first Aboriginal art graduate
Key dates
Monday 13 September
Mature Student Open Evening - Online
Wednesday 15 September
Mature Student Open Evening - Nathan Campus
Thursday 16 September
Mature Student Open Evening - Gold Coast Campus
Friday 17 December — Thursday 23 December