Ghost Net Weaving for Teens

Ages: 13-16 years

In this creative workshop, teens will discover how to weave using recycle materials discarded in our oceans to create a collaborative art piece.

Also known as ghost nets, abandoned fishing nets pose a big threat to marine life and birds, and can travel extremely long distances with currents and tides. However, First Nations communities and artists are repurposing them to create beautiful works of art and sculptures that tell traditional stories.

Led by local artists and facilitators trained by the Ghost Net Collective, children will be taken on a short tour of Garrigarrang, one of the AM's permanent First Nations galleries, to learn how First Nations communities have used weaving and sustainable traditions for tens for thousands of years.

Young minds will be inspired to raise awareness about the importance of caring for country and reducing waste.

Note: Please bring or wear clothes that you’re okay with getting dirty as the ghost nets can be grubby.

The Australian Ghost Net art movement began in 2009 and had its origins and practice in collaborations between Indigenous and non-indigenous artists, working together to achieve common goals that recognise and celebrate cultural diversity.

Lynnette Griffiths and Marion Gaemers have embraced this philosophy as being central to their practice forming the GHOST NET COLLECTIVE in 2020. A space where they can collaborate and work together to produce large-scale works and immersive installations that are at the forefront of the global ghost net artistic movement.

The Collective allows them to work by themselves, together and to invite other artists to work on cross-cultural collaborations. Authorship and recognition is identified for each project.

Recent projects have allowed their expansion into education and Art Education Specialist, Sally Donald, is working to develop materials for teachers & craft practitioners.

The aim is to educate, be inclusive and grow a community of people interested in visually representing ocean conservation.