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Songs of Protest

Artists in Classrooms

  • Artists in Classrooms

    Songs of Protest is part of QPAC's Artists in Classrooms initiative, within the Creative Learning Program. Developed to support learning across the curriculum, these workshops are delivered by professional performing artists, giving students direct access to industry expertise.

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$650
2 hours
(minimum), subject to change without notice

Guided by First Nations musicians, students will explore how song becomes a voice for truth and transformation – investigating stories of colonialism, the Stolen Generations, and resilience.

Through this exploration, students gain insight into how First Nations musicians and songwriters continue to practice and revitalise their cultures, and how historical and contemporary events have shaped them and the stories they share. They also learn about the significant contributions of First Nations Australians to Australian identity and how these contributions are acknowledged locally, nationally, and globally. 

Curriculum Links & Learning Outcomes

The Arts Curriculum V9.0

  • AC9AMU8E01: Listen to and evaluate how elements of music are manipulated by composers to draw attention to social issues or values — for example, protest songs, nationalistic music, or songs exploring identity and belonging.
  • AC9ADR8E02: Investigate the diversity of drama created and/or performed by First Nations Australians, considering culturally responsive approaches to Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights.

English V9.0

  • AC9E10LE06: Compare the “voice” of protest in a range of poems or songs and evaluate how different voices evoke a response.
  • AC9LIT10U03: Examine the language of specific texts (e.g. protest songs, graffiti) to identify how language is used for social commentary.

Senior Syllabuses
The Arts General Subjects

Specific Senior Curriculum Links

  • Music: Unit 2 – Identities
  • Drama: Unit 1 -Stories and Unit 3 -Challenge

Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

  • English: Students explore Aboriginal cultural knowledge, traditions, and experiences as represented and communicated through traditional, modern, and contemporary texts.
  • The Arts: Students learn about the distinctiveness and diversity of First Nations Australians’ cultural practices and artistic expressions, which represent unique ways of being, knowing, thinking, and doing. They examine how First Nations artists use materials, forms, and technologies in innovative ways to celebrate culture, challenge perspectives, and communicate ideas.

 

Learning Outcomes

Students can identify

  • identify themes and purposes in protest songs
  • discuss how musical choices strengthen meaning
  • articulate an issue or idea they care about
  • begin planning lyrics and musical style for a protest song.

Workshop Format & Delivery
Workshop Format

  1. Length of workshop: Minimum 2 hour workshop for up to 60 students. Additional students can be accommodated by request.

    All workshops are facilitated by a minimum of 2 artists. Artists can facilitate up to 2 x 2 hour workshops per day.

  1. Group size limits: Maximum of 60 students 

  1. Space requirements: Classroom, hall or assembly space – preferably indoors

  1. Equipment: A whiteboard and whiteboard pens are required. QPAC will provide any technical equipment required. 

  1. Accessibility considerations: Please inform us of any specific accessibility requirements of your students. 

 

Workshop Delivery
  1. What is the involvement level of the teacher? Teachers are considered learning partners and will be involved in supporting discussion and engagement throughout the workshop.

     

  2. What is the level of student participation? Students will be engaging in discussions, sharing their knowledge and brainstorming ideas for their own work.

     

  3. Can the workshop be adapted to different learning contexts? This workshop can be adapted for your school’s specific context and the needs of your students. Contact us to discuss any specific requests or considerations.

     

Learning Resources

Documents

Important Information

Year Level Suitability

Years 7 - 12

Dates

Workshops available throughout 2026

Cost

$650 for up to 60 students
$10 per additional student 

Travel costs may apply outside SE QLD.

Capacity

Minimum 2 hour workshop for up to 60 students. Additional students can be accommodated by request.

All workshops are facilitated by a minimum of 2 artists. Artists can facilitate up to 2 x 2 hour workshops per day.

Artists and Facilitators

Jungaji

Singer Songwriter | Visual Artist | Cultural Storyteller

Jungaji is a Gu Gu Yalanji songman, visual artist, and playwright whose work bridges ancient culture and contemporary expression. A proud First Nations Australian, he channels ancestral memory into soul infused songs and striking visual artworks grounded in story, spirit, and survival.

His debut album Betting On Blak (June 2025) debuted at No.1 on the AIR 100% Independent Albums Chart, making him the second First Nations artist to do so after Gurrumul. The album also charted across multiple ARIA categories, including No.2 on the Australian Hip Hop/R&B Chart and No.6 in Vinyl.

Bridget Garay

Facilitator | Arts Advocat

Bridget Garay is a Torres Strait Islander woman who has family connections to Mer (Murray Island) on her father’s side and she also acknowledges her mother’s Malaysian heritage. 

She is a highly motivated woman who has previously led a busy life as a business trainer and leadership coach. Bridget has worked with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia with a particular emphasis on arts business and community enterprise and leadership. She has also developed and delivered several youth creative programs across Australia.

Taitu’uga Kitchener Wesche

Music | Performer | Songwriter

With over 20 years of experience as a musician, performer, and songwriter, Taitu’uga has showcased his talents across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Canada, building an international presence. As a recognised beatboxer, he collaborates with world-class DJs, guest MCs, and host writers, captivating audiences globally with his art.

In addition to his cultural leadership and community work, he has received recognition for his contributions to the arts, including performances at TEDx Brisbane, prestigious theatres, and renowned festivals such as “Yonda Festivals Like We Meet Under” and sold out theatre show at Metro Arts. He won the 2024 World Music Award.

Mayella Dewis-Koroi

Creative Producer | Musician

Mayella Dewis‑Koroi is a proud First Nations Creative Producer with heritage from Boigu, Mer, and St Pauls Islands, and Wuthathi Country (Shelburne Bay).

She currently leads Community and First Nations engagement at Brisbane Festival and has held producing roles with ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and APAM.

A musician and cultural producer, Mayella specialises in delivering artist‑driven, culturally safe performance projects that elevate Indigenous voices across Australia and the Torres Strait.

QPAC's Creative Learning Program