Explore how contemporary Australian artists represent the diverse perspectives, experiences and communities that shape our nation and place in the world. Students can analyse how artists use materials, techniques and processes to communicate meaning, express identity and respond to social, cultural and historical contexts—including globalisation and migration, the ongoing impacts of colonisation, digital transformation and environmental change. They are encouraged to reflect on how Australian artists affirm and challenge viewpoints, contributing to global conversations about a changing, interconnected world.
Learning Opportunities: Harmony Week (16-23 March); Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June); International Youth Day (12 August); National Science Week (16- 22 August)
Awakening Histories reframes understandings of Australian history, inviting students to question colonial assumptions and embrace diverse cultural perspectives. First Nations and Southeast Asian artists explore the centuries-old histories of trade, migration and cultural exchange between northern Australia and South Sulawesi—long before European arrival. Students can trace the journeys of Makassan seafarers who travelled with the seasonal winds to the Kimberley, Arnhem Land and Garamilla (Darwin) in search of trepang (sea cucumber). Investigate how artists express identity, culture and connection to Country which encompasses seas, waterways, sky, plants, animals, stories and people.
Term: 1, Week 1-8 | Year level: 5-12 | Learning area: The Arts (Visual Arts), HASS (History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship)
Exhibition Details
Awakening Histories presented in association with Monash University Museum of Art, Melbourne & Perth Festival
Artists: Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, Aziziah Diah Aprilya, Zaenal Beta, John Bulunbulun (Ganalbingu), Cian Dayrit, Gunybi Ganambarr (Naymil), Guan Wei, Colin Heenan-Purunatameri and Michelle Woody Minnapinni (Tiwi), Karrabing Film Collective, Abdi Karya/Sara, Jenna Lee (Larrakia, Wardaman and Karajarri), Dhambit Munuŋgurr (Djapu, Waṉḏawuy, Dhuwa), Ipeh Nur, Wilda Yanti Salam, Darrell Sibosado (Bard), Vickram Sombu, Bulthirrirri Wunuŋmurra (Dhaḻwaŋu), Yumutjin Wunuŋmurra, Mr N. Wunuŋmurra (Dhaḻwaŋu), Ms D. Yinupiŋu (Gumatj, Rrakpala) and others.
Location: Central Galleries
Dates: 6 February – 29 March 2026
Learning Resources
VIDEO: Awakening Histories Artist Interviews
Hear from three artists; Abdi Karya, Aziziah Diah Aprilya and Darrell Sibosado (Bard) on their work featured in Awakening Histories when shown at MUMA in 2025
The Awakening Histories poster illustrates stories and connections shared in the exhibition.
Revealed: New and Emerging WA Aboriginal Artists returns to PICA, celebrating the diversity and vitality of contemporary Aboriginal art across Western Australia. Students can explore how artists express cultural identity, connection to Country and living traditions through diverse materials, techniques and new technologies. The exhibition invites reflection on the important role of art in truth-telling and how contemporary Aboriginal artists challenge historical perspectives and contribute to Australian culture.
Term: 2, Week 1-8 | Year level: 3-12 | Learning area: The Arts (Visual Arts), HASS (History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, Economics & Business)
Exhibition Details
Revealed: New and Emerging WA Aboriginal Artists—Delivered under the custodianship of the Aboriginal Art Centre Hub Western Australia. Guest curated by Zali Morgan
Location: Central Galleries
Dates: 18 April – 14 June 2026
Learning Resources
Hear from Guest curator, Zali Morgan, about the 2025 Revealed exhibition showcasing the diversity of Aboriginal art in Western Australia and presenting artworks to the public in culturally responsible ways.
Looking with Care: Learning through Contemporary Aboriginal Art
Revealed: Reflections from the Gallery – Multiple Perspectives of Australia
Revealed: Reflections from the Gallery – Cultural Knowledge and Protocols
PICA Art Talks: Julianne Wade and Zali Morgan
PICA Art Talks: International & National Opportunities for Aboriginal Artists
Hatched: National Graduate Show introduces students to the next generation of Australian artists, showcasing outstanding graduates from art schools across the nation. This annual exhibition—the only national survey of its kind— offers a compelling insight into diverse perspectives and issues shaping contemporary Australian art. Students can discover how emerging artists express identity and respond to context. The exhibition encourages students to imagine new possibilities for their own creative futures, fostering curiosity, risk-taking and reflection. By analysing how artists communicate meaning and resolve artworks, students can develop visual literacy and skills.
Term: 3, Week 3-10 | Year level: 7-12 | Learning area: The Arts (Visual Arts, Media Arts), Design and Technologies, Economics & Business / Work Studies
Exhibition Details
Hatched: National Graduate Show
Location: All Galleries
Dates: 1 August – 4 October 2026
Learning Resources
Hear from artists in the 2025 Hatched exhibition about their creative process and developing a strong body of work. Examine the ways they’ve used the elements of art and design.
Hatched Masterclass: Data as the Medium
Hatched Masterclass: Human Body as the Medium
Hatched Masterclass: Creative Experiments Art Science Activities
