Waterlily is a First Nations art mentoring program designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who would benefit from ongoing cultural connection and mentoring rather than a single visit.

The program can be delivered within:
• schools
• after-school programs
• youth services
• men’s groups
• community organisations

No prior artistic experience is needed. Engagement happens comfortably and at each person’s own pace.

Across the 10-week mentoring program, the group changes gradually and naturally.

Weeks 1–2 — Becoming familiar

Participants meet the artists, spend time near the live artwork, and begin to feel comfortable in the space.

Weeks 3–4 — Beginning to engage

Questions begin, materials are explored, and participants start trying techniques themselves.

Weeks 5–7 — Participation

Confidence builds. Participants begin their own artworks and conversations become more open.

Weeks 8–9 — Personal expression

Stories connected to identity, family, and experience are explored through art and discussion.

Week 10 — Reflection and sharing

The group reflects on what has been created and what has changed across the program.

Across the program, participants in this First Nations art mentoring program:

• learn traditional and contemporary art techniques

• explore storytelling connected to identity and experience

• build familiarity with cultural protocols

• develop creative confidence

• form relationships with mentors and peers

The focus is not on producing perfect artworks.

The focus is creating a space people feel comfortable returning to.

Waterlily runs as weekly sessions across a 10-week mentoring program.

Sessions take place within the host organisation’s setting and schedule. We work with each group beforehand to shape the sessions to suit the participants and the environment.

The consistency of meeting regularly allows relationships and trust to develop naturally.

Some people engage differently when given time and space to sit beside a process rather than be directed within it.

Waterlily offers:

• consistent First Nations art mentoring

• positive First Nations role models

• a relaxed space for strengthening connection to culture

• a way to engage through doing rather than pressure

Cultural art becomes the shared focus that makes participation, confidence, and conversation easier.

Waterlily supports schools through a structured First Nations art mentoring program that connects cultural learning with creative practice.

The program supports learning across several areas including:

Creative Arts — visual storytelling and making

PDHPE — confidence, wellbeing, and relationships

HSIE — cultural understanding and connection to place

English — speaking, listening, and narrative expression

(Additional curriculum information can be provided if required.)