5.30 – 8.30pm
Join sisters Fatuma and Laurinda Ndenzako, collaborators, textile designers and the brains behind Collective Closets in this vibrant workshop coinciding with our new exhibition, Tschabalala Self: Skin Tight.
In this engaging workshop, Collective Closets will guide participants through the vibrant world of textile storytelling, with a focus on African fabric culture. Participants will delve into the rich history behind Shuka patterns, uncover the deep connections between artisans and their craft, and explore how contemporary fashion incorporates these traditions.
Participants will have the opportunity to create dynamic mixed-media artworks, blending fabric samples with collage materials to express their own creativity. This hands-on program invites teachers to explore the powerful intersection of art, culture, storytelling, and textiles, offering a fresh, creative approach to connecting with students.
This workshop is part of our series of teacher professional learning programs and is open to teachers and the general public.
Learning intentions
- Connect curriculum expectations with creative practice in real-world teaching
- Build confidence in creative experimentation with materials and techniques to support student understanding of visual language and conceptual thinking.
- Research how traditional and contemporary fashion practices can inform personal and classroom-based art-making.
- Explore the application of art elements and principles (such as pattern, texture, and composition) in relation to textiles and visual artwork.
- Engage in conversation around how textiles and collage can convey symbolic meanings, cultural values, and individual identity.
- Support teachers to critically reflect on their own practice and student learning
- Explore how personal, cultural, and social influences shape individual style and impact creativity.
- Reflect on how the skills and insights from this workshop can be integrated into primary and secondary classroom practice, allowing students to explore their own expressive approaches to textiles and visual art.
- Support teachers to critically reflect on their own practice and student learning
Where: ACCA
Tickets:
General Public: $25
Student Teacher $10 + GST
Teacher $15 + GST
Free for regional teachers
Recommended for Primary and Secondary Visual Art Teachers. Pre-Service Teachers are also welcome.
Regional teachers: we’re pleased to be offering a limited number of free spots! To secure a limited free ticket please email ACCA Education, and tell us a little about yourself and your school community.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Collective Closets
Founded in 2016 by sisters Fatuma and Laurinda Ndenzako, Collective Closets emerged from a vision to create something unique in Australia’s fashion landscape: a brand that celebrates the vibrant textiles of Africa whilst speaking to the modern Australian woman. Born in Melbourne with a deep appreciation for slow fashion, they bridge continents and cultures through thoughtfully crafted clothing that carries meaning in every thread.
Their journey began with the iconic Maasai Shuka, whose bold patterns and rich cultural significance captured their imagination and became the cornerstone of their design philosophy. As African-Australian designers, they bring an authentic perspective to this cultural dialogue, creating collections that open conversations, challenge perceptions, and showcase the sophistication of African textiles in contemporary fashion.
Their philosophy is genuine: create enduring pieces that make women feel seen, understood, and beautiful. Every garment they design is crafted with intention, made for women who value both artistry and purpose. They have grown from an intimate family story into a label that authentically connects the creative spirit of Africa with Australia’s contemporary fashion landscape.
This is fashion with meaning. This is Collective Closet
Recommended for Primary and Secondary Visual Art Teachers and Student Teachers
AITSL Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
Standard 2: Know the content and how to teach it
(2.1) Apply knowledge of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area to develop engaging teaching activities.Standard 6: Engage in professional learning
(6.2) Participate in learning to update knowledge and practice, targeted to professional needs and school and/or system priorities.
(6.4) Undertake professional learning programs designed to address identified student learning needs.Standard 6: Professional Engagement
Standard 6: Professional Engagement
(7.4) Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities
