The Art of Engagement: Regional Teaching Artist Training
Barking Gecko Arts (BGA) is delighted to offer Teaching Artist Training to Western Australian regional teaching artists supported by the Creative Learning Partnerships Grant through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. This initiative is designed to strengthen artistic practice, enhance professional skills, and deepen the impact of teaching artists in educational and community settings. Participants will engage in dynamic, hands-on learning experiences that empower them to inspire, connect, and collaborate with young people through the arts.
Training will be held from Monday 12 – 16 May 2025 at the Subiaco Arts Centre. It will be led by experienced Teaching Artists, Ariana Paganetti and David Williams.
This opportunity is unpaid; however, travel expenses will be fully covered.
OVERVIEW
This 5-day intensive training program equips teaching artists with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to facilitate dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring workshops for young people. Participants will explore creative engagement techniques, inclusive teaching strategies, and adaptive learning approaches through experiential learning, reflection, and hands-on practice.
Each day focuses on a key aspect of creative facilitation, ensuring artists develop a well-rounded understanding of working with young people in artistic settings.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE (Subject to change)
- Introduction to Teaching Artistry: The role and responsibilities of a teaching artist.
- Understanding Young People: Child development, learning styles, and engagement strategies.
- Creating Safe & Playful Spaces: Group dynamics.
- Experiential Activity: Icebreakers, trust-building games, and movement-based exercises.
- Storytelling as a Catalyst for Creativity: Techniques for engaging young minds.
- The Power of Play: Using improvisation, movement, and theatre games to spark imagination.
- Facilitating Exploration vs. Directing Outcomes: Encouraging agency and self-expression.
- Hands-on Session: Participants will design and lead short storytelling and movement-based activities.
- Lesson Planning for Engagement: Structuring workshops for different age groups.
- Adaptive Facilitation: Responding to different learning needs and group energy.
- Managing Challenges: Strategies for handling disruptions, disengagement, and emotional responses.
- Interactive Lab: In small groups, participants will create, and present workshop plans with feedback.
- Co-Facilitation Sessions: Participants will lead a segment of a workshop with facilitator and peer feedback.
- Self-Reflection & Growth: Identifying strengths and areas for development.
- Navigating the Teaching Artist Career: Professional pathways, self-care, and maintaining creative energy. A discussion on vicarious trauma and safeguarding, will be delivered by a trained professional.
- Independent Workshop Delivery: Participants lead a full session with facilitator and peer feedback.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Real-time adjustments and adapting to unexpected challenges.
- Final Reflections & Next Steps: Personal action plans for future facilitation.
- Closing Celebration: Sharing experiences and fostering peer connections.
If you're interested in applying to this training, click the link here to get started. For more information, check out our FAQ’s. If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact us at learning@barkinggecko.com.au.