Introduction: Universities globally are forging strategic partnerships with diverse industries to elevate student outcomes, secure funding, and address intricate research challenges affecting community well-being. One such initiative, a low-cost, cross-cultural, interdisciplinary project, centred on promoting well-being through art, fostering social connections among a spectrum of partners.
Methods: This endeavour brought together Indigenous artists, primary school students and teachers, older adults, pre-service teachers, educators, occupational therapy students, gallery staff, and researchers. This presentation highlights our approach to nurturing creative connections across Indigenous Knowledges through art, movement, and wellbeing. Grounded in a/r/tography, we empowered participants of all ages and backgrounds to see themselves as capable artists, researchers, and educators. Our approach encompassed diverse forms such as artwork, photography, video-recordings, narratives, interviews, and surveys. Analysis, guided by a/r/tography principles, illuminated the project's multifaceted impact across partners.
Results: We will showcase various graphical representations of the outcomes from the four workshops. Our findings unveiled enriched wellbeing dimensions, including a heightened connection to local Country and reimaging nature through an Indigenous lens. People expressed profound serenity and joy as they engaged with the elements - rain, sun, and wind. Participants reported a sense of renewal through collaborative art forms like eco-dyeing and solar graphics and movement practices such as Wayapa Wuurrk, underscoring the significance of intergenerational friendships.
Conclusion: Projects like the We Are Well intergenerational program leverage and harness the intricacies of cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural, and multi-participant collaborations while advancing health and wellbeing through innovative creative methodologies as individuals journey through life and ageing.