Bringing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art to Life with AR

The Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) is redefining how audiences experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art through innovative work with Augmented Reality.

At the Museum XR Summit, Wesley Shaw, Programs Manager for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, and Sophie Todd from the Learning and Participation team shared how the initiative is merging cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology.

Highlighting Tradition Through Technology

At the core of this initiative are 26 ku’, or camp dogs, meticulously hand-carved by Wik and Kugu artists. These striking sculptures, rich with ancestral stories, serve as cultural touchstones while inspiring new interpretations through technology.

Using AR, these stories are brought to life through interactive digital overlays that allow visitors to experience the sculptures’ narratives through sound, animation, and immersive storytelling, creating a deeper, multi-sensory connection with the artworks.

Each ku’ embodies specific narratives and locales in the Wik region, connecting traditional art with contemporary audiences.

Interactive Learning: Dog Designs Workshop

One standout offering is the “Dog Designs” workshop at the Lewin Media Lab. Participants begin by exploring the ku’ on display in the Yiribana Gallery, learning about their artistic details and cultural significance.

For example, one ku’ tells the story of a protective spirit dog that guards its community from malevolent forces, symbolizing vigilance and loyalty deeply rooted in Wik lore. Using iPads and the Procreate app, they then create digital interpretations of the ku’, infusing their designs with personal stories, colors, and symbols inspired by meaningful places or people in their own lives.

This creative process goes beyond simple replication, encouraging imaginative expression while honoring cultural narratives.

Augmented Reality in Action

The workshop’s immersive component comes alive through AR technology. Once participants complete their digital designs, they can project their creations into real-world gallery spaces. They experiment with scaling and positioning, placing their digital artworks under stairs, alongside the original ku’, or even in unexpected corners of the museum.

“There’s a feeling of magic when students realise they can merge the virtual and physical worlds,” explains Sophie Todd. The integration of AR not only amplifies engagement but also transforms how visitors interact with museum curation by enabling personalized experiences, fostering interactive storytelling, and encouraging creative exploration through dynamic, site-specific digital installations.

Fostering Confidence and Cultural Connection

The workshop has become a catalyst for building confidence and artistic skills. Many participants, initially unfamiliar with digital design tools, leave with enhanced technical abilities and a deeper appreciation for storytelling through art. The interactive process encourages meaningful conversations, as participants share their creative inspirations and personal narratives.

Expanding the Vision

Looking ahead, AGNSW plans to broaden the workshop’s reach, with pilot programs scheduled for the next academic year and initial outreach efforts already underway in regional schools such as Aurukun. Proposed expansions include traveling programs for schools in remote areas like Aurukun, integrating audio elements such as songs and oral histories, and using geotagging to create interactive digital ku’ installations within gallery spaces.

A Collaborative Success

This program’s success reflects the strong partnership between the Wik and Kugu artists, AGNSW’s curatorial and educational teams, and technology collaborators like Apple. By blending ancient narratives with modern creative tools, the gallery ensures cultural authenticity while fostering innovative engagement.

Wesley Shaw and Sophie Todd’s work exemplifies how museums can honor traditional art forms while embracing digital transformation. By connecting past and present, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is crafting a dynamic cultural bridge that inspires future generations through art, technology, and storytelling. The program has already transformed how audiences engage with Indigenous art, fostering deeper cultural understanding, creative expression, and technological literacy through interactive workshops and immersive experiences.

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Wesley Shaw and Sophie Todd from Art Gallery of New South Wales spoke at the Museum XR Summit 2024.