Session information
Towards Harmony: Music and the Arts in Diverse Australia
Music is celebrated for its ability to transcend spoken language and bridge cultural divides. But developing Music education practices that are truly orientated towards social and racial justice in modern Australia, requires an intentional shift towards power sharing, and the decentring of dominant white, western discourses.
This presentation uses South Asian dance and music art forms to explore the ways that learners from all backgrounds can experience cultural appreciation in meaningful ways. Participants will engage in critical thinking about inclusive ways to engage in cultural artforms, while being guided through South Asian music and movement pedagogies.
Finally, this presentation will centre joy and connection as participants collaborate to create a meaningful cultural exchange.
Presenter
Rachael Jacobs
Rachael Jacobs is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Arts Education at Western Sydney University and a former secondary arts teacher. Her PhD was on the assessment of arts and creativity and now her research focuses on anti-racism education, language acquisition through the arts, creative justice and arts education.
Rachael has facilitated arts research projects in community settings all over Australia and predominantly works with migrant and refugee communities. She is also a community activist, aerial artist, South Asian choreographer and runs her own intercultural dance company.
