Guided Ngarn Wa’ngal tour
School bookings10 July – 21 November 2026
Features Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists. Covering colonial, twentieth century and contemporary periods.
The exhibition Ngarn Wa’ngal: Art of the gum tree explores the gum tree as a source of creative inspiration and traces its evolution through art history and in contemporary art practice. The title, Ngarn Wa'ngal translates to 'breathing for us' in Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and has been chosen in consultation with Uncle Bill Nicholson.
This exhibition will explore our physical and emotional responses to this important Australian symbol, which inhabits many diverse environments across the continent. It brings together historical and contemporary connections to our iconic tree and be a catalyst for the discussion of issues including Indigenous sovereignty, Australian identity, climate change, and bushfire management.
This exhibition is curated by Alisa Bunbury and Sophie Gerhard and features works from the University of Melbourne’s Art and Medical History Museum collections, books and other material from Archives and Special Collections, as well as important loans and commissions of new works.
Levels: Year 7-10 and VCE
Duration: up to 90 mins
Capacity: up to 30 students
Cost: $16 per student. $50 education service fee applies to all bookings
Schools Access Program: Low-SES schools (ICSEA <1050) are encouraged to get in touch with the Learning Experiences team.
Curriculum Connections:
- VCE Art Making and Exhibiting
- VCE Art Creative Practice
- Visual Arts 7-10
- Intercultural Capability
- Critical and Creative Thinking
Ngarn Wa'ngal Teacher resource pack
For each Potter Museum of Art exhibition, the Learning Experiences Team creates an accompanying resource to support teachers in tailoring and extending the student experience before, during and after a visit.
For a maximised learning experience at the Potter, teachers must properly prepare themselves and students to engage meaningfully and in culturally safe, responsive ways with Ngarn Wa’ngal: Art of the gum tree.
As this may be the first museum or gallery learning experience for some educators and students, it is especially helpful to explore expectations and discuss what to anticipate beforehand.
