FIRST NATIONS
The GLAAS INC First Nations Workshop Program began in 2022 and has delivered more than 20 workshops per year since then, free to all First Nations people.
From the workshops a number of artists have progressed into the Melbourne Polytechnic Courses – Certificate III and IV, and now Diploma of Visual Arts Glasswork.
They have also achieved residencies, awards, public art commissions and have been featured in magazines in Australia and Britain. GLAAS INC aims to achieve a higher representation of First Nations glass artists in the Australian Art Glass and Designed Glazing sectors – and this outcome is being achieved.
Glass Artwork by Rickie Martin
Free Workshops
GLAAS INC is delighted to provide First Nations artists with the opportunity to explore glass as a medium, expressing their creativity while sharing their unique cultural influences through glass art. More Information >
First Nations Artists
First Nations artists who have participated in the Workshop Program are progressing their glass art practices and achieving opportunities to create, exhibit and promote their art.
*First Nation Artist Profiles - Coming Soon
Exhibitions
Since 2023 GLAAS INC has delivered a NAIDOC Week exhibition each year which features the work of the First Nations participants in the Workshop Program. In 2024 an exhibition of First Nations glass art works was included as part of Melbourne Design Week.
First Nations glass artists have also had their work featured in other exhibitions by GLAAS INC since early 2023. In 2026 GLAAS INC will deliver two NAIDOC Week exhibitions, one at Prahran and one in the heart of Melbourne. View Past Exhibitions >
Commissions
Opportunities for Public Art Commissions have developed for First Nations glass artists through the Workshop Program. Rickie Gugumah Martin has completed two public art commissions and is working on a third, all to be unveiled in coming months. Shea Oberleuter created a two metre high glass work which was exhibited on public display at Frankston Art Centre in December 2024.
The Workshop program creates opportunities for First Nations artists to grow their glass art practice in many ways, including public and private commissions. For more information about commissioning work from the First Nations glass artists, please contact the Director, Donna Kennedy on director@glaasinc.com.au
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