This course provides students with a working understanding of how textiles-based and textiles-informed methodologies can be deployed in contemporary art. Through set projects students will apply and extend basic techniques in conjunction with further topic specific material processes. Contemporary textiles practices afford multiplicity: they enliven rich and diverse threads of thinking through making. Each set project involves deepening analytical engagement with and a hands-on approach to complex issues, such as the material culture of marginalised people or environmental regeneration as it takes place on campus. Supported by seminars, group critique and tutorials, students will become increasingly independent in developing their own research-led methodologies and artworks. The resolution of projects includes learning how to display outcomes in ways relevant and appropriate to contemporary art.

Students may complete this course up to three times for a maximum credit value of 18 units, provided they enrol in a different topic in each instance/semester. Please note that the course content, assessment structure, and reading list will change depending on the topic and the expertise of the lecturer convening the course. Please refer to the class summary for the specific term in which you wish to enrol for a detailed description.

Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Subverting Stitch: Labour, Gender and Image
• Plants and Place: locating colour and fibre

The practices of tending, gathering and processing natural materials can embed a knowledge of plants and place into crafted objects. This knowledge can then be carried, worn and shared. The focus of this course is to gain an insight into local knowledge, plants and places and to deepen that understanding through material processes. Students will learn how to undertake a materials-based investigation of their immediate environment and how to communicate these processes and outcomes. Through research and experimentation students will develop skills and knowledge relating to the rich historical, social and cultural meanings embedded in these processes and produce creative and conceptual outcomes.

• Textile Thinking: materialising embodied knowledge

This course investigates textile-based actions and ideas to critically position bodies and materials in knowledge making practices; both within contemporary art and broader philosophical discourse. Through set projects, students will reframe textile techniques as generative processes for creating installations, tactile images, objects and performances. With each iteration the spatial, temporal and affective possibilities of textiles will be explored processually and in the display of finished works. Critique, lectures, readings and discussion are integral to developing informed and expansive methodologies.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. demonstrate competency with a range of advancing technical skills in relation to studio area & contemporary art practice;
2. independently explore the potential of material/s & methods relevant to the studio area and set projects;
3. recognise and analyse precedents and influences on artistic practice; and
4. evaluate chosen studio methodologies on the outcomes of studio projects. 

Research-Led Teaching

natural dyes, place-based practices, working with plants, more-than-human lives

Field Trips

Occasional field trips may be scheduled throughout the semester.

Additional Course Costs

Student contribution amounts under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) and tuition fees support the course described in the Class Summary and include tuition, teaching materials, and student access to the workshops and university equipment for the stated course hours.

 The Course Material Fee is payable to the School of Art & Design to supply consumables and materials that become your physical property.

The Additional Materials Fee is payable for Materials you use in addition to those supplied as part of the course. You can purchase additional material from the Workshop and take advantage of the GST-free status. These materials are also WHS and workshop process compliant.

For further information and to Pay Materials and Access Fees go to: https://soad.cass.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees  

Examination Material or equipment

Studio work and accompanying documentation is assessed during and at the end of the semester (see assessment due dates). In addition to the physical presentation of the work students may use a laptop or tablet to present supporting material.

Required Resources

Student contribution amounts under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) and tuition fees support the course described in the Course Outline and include tuition, teaching materials and student access to the workshops for the stated course hours.

Students are requested to refer to the School of Art website for information: http://soa.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees

Canvas. Ensure that your details are correct as Canvas will be the primary method of communication between lecturers and students. 

See Canvas for reading lists and other resources.

Recommended Resources

There are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Note: Students must have completed a Work Health and Safety induction and be approved by the Course Convenor in order to access specialist equipment and processes in the screen, lithography, book, relief and/or etching studios, outside class time.

Reading lists will be provided to students via Canvas. Articles and books will be available through the ANU libraries or as a PDF / link on wattle.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introductory seminar/reading, WHS induction, course overview /expectationsIntroduce Assessment Task 1: Madder & IndigoStudio demonstration and practice: Indigo, direct methods	Participation in readings & group discussion contributes towards Research Documentation/visual diary.(LO3,4)
2	Studio demonstration and practice: madderSeminar/ reading/ group discussion	Participation in readings & group discussion contributes towards Research Documentation/visual diary.(LO3,4)
3	Introduce Assessment Task 2: unpick: building a colour paletteStudio demonstration and practice: mordant printing, shibori & dyeingGroup discussion	Participation in group discussion contributes towards Research Documentation/visual diary.(LO3,4)
4	Studio demonstration and practice: mordant printingGroup discussion	Due: Assessment Task 1 (in class discussion)Participation in readings & group discussion contributes towards Research Documentation/visual diary.(LO3,4)
5	Studio demonstration and practice: dyeing printed samplesreading/ group discussion	Participation in readings & group discussion contributes towards Research Documentation/visual diary.(LO3,4)
6	Studio demonstration and practice: watercolourreading/ group discussion	Participation in readings & group discussion contributes towards Research Documentation/visual diary.(LO3,4)
7	Seminar: introduce Assessment task 3 & 4: Independent Studio project + visual diary	Due: Assessment Task 2
8	lecturer / student meetings (discuss Studio project plans & concepts)Studio and technical instruction / demonstration as necessary	Due: Assessment Task 3
9	independent studio practice1:1 critiques/discussionStudio and technical instruction / demonstration as necessary
10	independent studio practiceGroup critiques for Assessment task 4	Participation in critique sessions contribute towards Research Documentation/visual diary.(LO3,4)
11	independent studio practiceGroup critiques for Assessment task 4	Participation in critique sessions contribute towards Research Documentation/visual diary. (LO3,4)
12	independent studio practice	Due examination period: Assessment task 4

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Madder & Indigo	20 %	19/03/2026	26/03/2026	1,3
Group Project: unpick, building a colour palette	30 %	23/04/2026	07/05/2026	1,2,3,4
Independent Project Planning & Research	20 %	30/04/2026	07/05/2026	1,2,3
Independent Project & Visual Research Diary	30 %	11/06/2026	02/07/2026	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to engage in class exercises and studio practice, mastering skills and techniques. An adventurous, experimental, individual and technically competent approach is encouraged.

Respectful, generous and intellectually rigorous participation in group critique and other group learning formats is required.

Assessment Task 1

Madder & Indigo

In this project you will work collaboratively to create a series of tests and experiments using locally grown Indigo and Madder (including from the School of Art & Design Dye & Fibre Garden). As you build this tacit material understanding of the plant, you will critically engage with the plants' histories and the ways in which local and international artists are engaging with these histories through their materiality, colour use and production in their practices.

Value: 20%

Rubric

Criteria	HD 80-100	D 70-79	CR 60-69	P 50-59	F 0-49
Understand and apply a range of textiles concepts and techniques (LO 1)	All required techniques applied successfully with comprehensive interpretation. Techniques applied and integrated with evidence of independent learning	All required techniques applied successfully with clear and comprehensive interpretation.	All required techniques applied successfully with mostly sound interpretation.	Most required techniques applied successfully. Basic interpretation.	Fails to apply most required techniques successfully. Limited interpretation and understanding shown.
Documentation of work in progress, independent research and participation (LO 1,3)	Documentation of work in progress includes images, notes and exhibition visits, demonstrating thorough independent exploratory practice that influences the final works. The student contributes carefully constructed feedback to their own and other groups. Feedback is acted on for project development.	Documentation of work in progress includes images, notes and exhibition visits, demonstrating thorough independent exploratory practice. The student contributes constructive feedback to their own and other groups when prompted. Feedback is listened to and considered.	Documentation of work in progress includes images and notes, demonstrating a reliance on predetermined ideas rather than exploratory practice. The student attends but does not actively contribute to critique sessions. Feedback is listened to and but not usually considered or tested.	Documentation of work in progress demonstrates minimal exploratory practice to develop final works. The student is often absent from critique sessions. Feedback is avoided or not considered.	Exploratory practice to develop final works is not documented. The student does not attend critique sessions.

Assessment Task 2

Group Project: unpick, building a colour palette

In this project you will work with your group using techniques and methods learnt in class to build material documentation of a chosen site on campus. You will consider its relationship to ‘elsewhere’ and to the members of your group. Each group will create work using up-cycled clothes and plant colour harvested at your site.The 'document' will reflect the ways in which your group came to learn about, know and be with the site. Research of the site, relevant artistic methods and artists is central to this project.

Value: 30%

Rubric

Criteria	HD 80-100	D 70-79	CR 60-69	P 50-59	F 0-49
Understand and apply a range of textiles concepts and techniques (LO 1,2,3)	All required techniques applied successfully with comprehensive interpretation. Techniques applied and integrated with evidence of independent learning	All required techniques applied successfully with clear and comprehensive interpretation.	All required techniques applied successfully with mostly sound interpretation.	Most required techniques applied successfully. Basic interpretation.	Fails to apply most required techniques successfully. Limited interpretation and understanding shown.
Documentation of work in progress, independent research and participation (LO 1,3,4)	Documentation of work in progress includes images, notes and exhibition visits, demonstrating thorough independent exploratory practice that influences the final works. The student contributes carefully constructed feedback to their own and other groups. Feedback is acted on for project development.	Documentation of work in progress includes images, notes and exhibition visits, demonstrating thorough independent exploratory practice. The student contributes constructive feedback to their own and other groups when prompted. Feedback is listened to and considered.	Documentation of work in progress includes images and notes, demonstrating a reliance on predetermined ideas rather than exploratory practice. The student attends but does not actively contribute to critique sessions. Feedback is listened to and but not usually considered or tested.	Documentation of work in progress demonstrates minimal exploratory practice to develop final works. The student is often absent from critique sessions. Feedback is avoided or not considered.	Exploratory practice to develop final works is not documented. The student does not attend critique sessions.
Working as a team to produce a comprehensive colour palette and document of the site (LO 1)	Highly effective strategies and planning resulting in successful participation and inquiry from all team members, to produce rich collaborative outcomes	Effective strategies and planning to support successful participation and inquiry from entire te	Good strategies developed to support team members to participate and co-operate most of the time	more co-ordination and communication between team members required	insufficient teamwork and communication

Assessment Task 3

Independent Project Planning & Research

Students will complete a research template to establish scope and direction of their final project. Details will be distributed and explained during class and via canvas. Discussion and presentation of project plans will take place in class.

Value: 20%

Rubric

Criteria	HD 80-100	D 70-79	CR 60-69	P 50-59	F 0-49
Materials & techniques (LO 1)	Demonstrates a sophisticated plan to explore and critically evaluate the creative possibilities of materials and techniques; strong evidence of experimentation and reflection	Demonstrates purposeful exploration of materials and techniques with some evaluation	Identifies materials and techniques but exploration or evaluation is limited	Materials and techniques are mentioned with minimal consideration	No meaningful engagement with materials or techniques
Engagement with ContemporaryTheory & Practice (LO 2, 3)	Demonstrates a strong, critical understanding of contemporary theories and art practices, clearly informing the project’s direction	Demonstrates sound engagement with contemporary theory and practice	References contemporary practice but engagement is descriptive or surface-level	Minimal or unclear engagement with contemporary theory	No engagement with contemporary theory or practice
Timeline & Project Planning (LO 1)	Timeline is detailed, realistic, and demonstrates strong project management	Timeline is clear and achievable	Timeline included but lacks detail or realistic outcomes	Timeline vague or incomplete	No timeline provided
Use academic referencing where required (LO 2)	Chicago referencing and captions are fully correct	Chicago referencing and captions correct with minor errors	Chicago referencing inconsistent	referencing contains frequent errors	referencing does not meet requirements

Assessment Task 4

Independent Project & Visual Research Diary

In response to the project outline and prompts, you will use introduced techniques and concepts to develop a resolved artwork or body of work.

The visual diary and research are key parts of this project and its development. You will use your Independent Project Planning & Research document as a guide.

Value: 30%

Rubric

Criteria	HD 80-100	D 70-79	CR 60-69	P 50-59	F 0-49
Conceptual Resolution & Intent (LO 2,3,4)	Final work demonstrates a resolved, compelling concept that is clearly grounded in the original aims; outcomes extend or challenge the initial enquiry in insightful ways	Final work clearly communicates the original concept and aims, with thoughtful development	Concept is evident in the work but resolution is partial or predictable	Concept is loosely connected to the original aims and weakly communicated	Concept is unclear, incoherent, or disconnected from the project aims
Use of Materials & Techniques (LO 1)	Demonstrates sophisticated and confident use of materials and techniques; choices are critically evaluated and integral to meaning; extensive experimentation informs outcomes	Materials and techniques are used purposefully with clear links to experimentation and evaluation	Competent use of materials and techniques, though experimentation or critical evaluation is limited	Basic or inconsistent use of materials and techniques with minimal exploration	Little or no meaningful engagement with materials or techniques
Process & Development (LO 2)	Process is rigorous, reflective, and well-documented; clear evidence of iterative development, testing, and informed decision-making	Process shows consistent development and reflection, with evidence of refinement	Process demonstrates some development, though exploration or documentation may be uneven	Limited process development with minimal reflection or iteration	Process is absent, poorly documented, or shows no development
Critical Reflection & Evaluation (LO 4)	Insightful and articulate reflection that critically evaluates outcomes, process, and materials in relation to aims and enquiry-led practice	Clear and considered reflection that evaluates strengths and limitations of the work	Reflection describes the work and process but lacks critical depth	Reflection is descriptive, minimal, or superficial	Reflection is missing or demonstrates no critical engagement

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

All studio work and accompanying documentation is physically presented and assessed in two stages: mid-Semester and at the end of the semester during the examination period.

Please note that in the event of implementing Covid safe work practices such as working from home, it may be necessary for student work to be documented and uploaded for remote assessment. In this instance please keep a copy of the assignment for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Students will collect their work following assessment.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

N/A

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students