Short Abstract:

This proposed lab will present a collaborative performance presentation of current and evolving works depicting the role and use of creative processes from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective and standpoint.

Long Abstract:

The proposed lab will present two evolving projects that explores the use of research and experiential knowledge through an arts-based performance presentation. The primary research concept of Dreaming Story Way (an ancient Wik ontology) is used as the foundation that will guide the primary researcher's identified case study. The case study 'Nanum trelim cak owuch wi li: Bring our Blood Home Female Ancestral Repatriation Project will set the premise in which inspiration will be drawn from in order to express and depict through creative Voice and conventions. In collaboration, a guest performance presentation of the Meriba buay-ngalpan wakaythoemamay (we come together to share our thinking): Evaluating a Community of Practice for Torres Strait will also be shared and presented by the Torres Strait Islander Researcher's Community of Practice. The process of creativity plays a significant role in health and well-being. The creative processes can also be seen as a process of discovery which in turn stimulates and guides the various expressive manifestations of its creator. Positive feelings and emotions are elicited which would consequentially promote health and well-being. Schmid makes mention of a term 'everyday research', an emerging area of creativity research, which 'views creativity as a survival capacity'. This would allow all humans participating to thus adapt to their changing environments linking 'creativity' to evolution and 'hence to health and well-being' (Lumsden and Richards as cited in Schmid p.10). These presentations will model an approach to healing that can enable Australian Indigenous people to regain their collective strengths.