A Special Cultural Storytelling and Hands-On Weaving Experience for Secondary School Students
Expressions of Interest Now Open
Give your students a unique opportunity to learn directly from an award-winning Torres Strait Islander artist through cultural storytelling, creativity and hands-on weaving.
Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance is inviting expressions of interest from secondary schools for a special two-hour workshop with Toby Cedar, whose exhibition Stories of the Sea: Masks, Headdresses & Sculptures is currently on display at The Gallery.
Combining cultural storytelling with a practical fish weaving experience, this engaging workshop offers students an opportunity to explore Torres Strait Islander culture, traditional knowledge and connections to the sea while creating their own woven artworks.
Meet Toby Cedar
Toby Cedar is an award-winning Torres Strait Islander multidisciplinary artist whose creative practice spans sculpture, traditional headdress making, mask making, design and contemporary art.
Before establishing himself as a professional artist, Toby worked in the railway and mining industries. In 2009, he started his own creative business, teaching himself graphic design before expanding into the distinctive sculptural and cultural works for which he is recognised today.
His achievements include winning the 2020 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 3D Sculpture Award, being selected as a finalist in the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, and having three artworks acquired by the National Gallery of Australia for its national collection.
Deeply connected to Torres Strait Islander culture, family and traditional knowledge passed down through Elders, Toby’s practice brings together cultural storytelling, traditional techniques and contemporary creative expression.
Weaving Stories of the Sea – Learn, Create and Connect
Through storytelling and hands-on creativity, Toby will guide students through a cultural and artistic experience inspired by the sea and its significance to Torres Strait Islander life.
During the workshop, students will:
- Discover Stories of the Sea – Hear Toby share cultural stories, family teachings and traditional knowledge that inspire his artwork, including his connections to marine life and the sea.
- Learn the Art of Fish Weaving – Be guided step by step in creating small woven fish, learning weaving techniques while exploring the relationship between culture, storytelling and artistic expression.
- Contribute to a Collaborative Artwork – Create a woven fish to be attached to a shared fishing-net installation, forming a collective artwork that will remain on display at The Gallery.
- Create a Personal Keepsake – Weave a second fish, mounted on a bamboo stick, to take home as a reminder of the experience.
This interactive workshop encourages creativity, collaboration and cultural appreciation, providing students with a meaningful opportunity to connect with Torres Strait Islander culture through contemporary artistic practice.
Workshop Details
Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Time: 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Location: The Gallery, 6 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour NSW
Who: Secondary school students, Years 7–12
Group Size: Up to 20 students
Cost: $600 per school group (all weaving materials included)
Duration: 2 hours
Only one school group opportunity is available.
Expressions of Interest – Register Your School
We are currently seeking expressions of interest from local secondary schools interested in participating in this special cultural experience.
Expressions of interest close Wednesday 21 October 2026.
Please note that this workshop is subject to sufficient interest and final confirmation. Schools registering their interest will be contacted once arrangements are confirmed.
Explore Toby’s Exhibition – Stories of the Sea
Students will also have the opportunity to experience Toby’s current exhibition, Stories of the Sea: Masks, Headdresses & Sculptures, at The Gallery.
Featuring striking masks, headdresses and sculptural works, the exhibition celebrates Torres Strait Islander culture, traditional knowledge, family and deep connections to the sea.
Discover Stories of the Sea: Masks, Headdresses & Sculptures
Presented by Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance Aboriginal Corporation through The Gallery and the National Aboriginal Design Agency (NADA).
The Gallery
6 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour