NAIDOC Week Significant Symbols Negative Space Craft is a rich, hands-on art activity that blends cultural appreciation with creative expression. Designed for use during NAIDOC Week, this task invites students to explore visual storytelling through shape, pattern, and symbolism while learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. By working with both positive and negative space, students create meaningful artworks that reflect the 2025 theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.

This task is ideal for upper primary learners but can be easily adapted for younger students by enlarging the templates or providing pre-cut shapes. With guided discussion and visual references, students will deepen their understanding of how art can communicate culture, identity, and intergenerational strength.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Develop awareness of First Nations symbolism and storytelling through art
• ✅ Experiment with the use of positive and negative space in visual composition
• ✅ Explore the NAIDOC Week theme through symbolism, linework and colour
• ✅ Express ideas of identity, legacy and vision through creative craft

What’s Included:

• A set of printable First Nations-inspired symbol templates
• Guidance for using negative space and pattern to enhance the artwork
• Suggestions for materials, classroom setup and display ideas

Materials Needed:

• Thick cardstock for templates and backing
• Scissors and glue
• Coloured pens, markers or fine liners
• Optional: physical cultural items for inspiration (e.g. gumnuts, flags, boomerangs)

How to Use:

• Begin with a class discussion about NAIDOC Week and how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples use art as a form of storytelling
• Distribute symbol templates and coloured cardstock
• Students cut out symbols and glue them onto a contrasting background to form a negative space composition
• Encourage students to decorate their backgrounds with traditional line patterns, repeated shapes and natural textures
• Display the completed pieces alongside our Celebrating NAIDOC Week Banner to celebrate the class’s NAIDOC Week reflections

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Pair the craft with a reading of a First Nations story that explores the theme of legacy or identity
• 💡 Display the artworks around your school’s NAIDOC Week celebration space or hallway
• 💡 Use the completed craft as a starting point for a class discussion or journal writing activity
• 💡 Use in conjunction with the other resources in our NAIDOC Week collection

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Use A3-sized paper for younger students or to allow space for intricate patterns
• 💛 Play instrumental First Nations music during the session to enhance atmosphere and focus
• 💛 Encourage students to give their artwork a title that links to one of the NAIDOC Week theme words

NAIDOC Week Significant Symbols Negative Space Craft is a thoughtful and engaging way to explore culture, creativity and connection to Country through art. It fosters both technical and emotional learning and gives students a meaningful platform to express how they interpret the values of strength, vision and legacy.