Understanding
Indigenous Australia
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
ARTIST COLLABORATION WITH;
JEDESS HUDSON & jay hobbs
HOW WE HELPED:
Sub-Branding | UIA Art Elements | Branded Collateral
Smyth Studio x Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
Smyth Studio collaborated with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Diplomatic Academy to enhance the "Understanding Indigenous Australia" learning modules. This initiative aims to deepen cultural awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contributions.
Understanding Indigenous Australia is an educational initiative led by DFAT to equip its employees with meaningful knowledge about First Nations peoples. The program plays a vital role in fostering cultural competency, ensuring that DFAT representatives engage with Indigenous communities in Australia and abroad with respect and understanding.
BRANDING
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INDIGENOUS ART
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DIGITAL ASSETS
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BRANDING ✹ INDIGENOUS ART ✹ DIGITAL ASSETS ✹
Client Overview
Understanding Indigenous Australia is an educational initiative led by DFAT to equip its employees with meaningful knowledge about First Nations peoples. The program plays a vital role in fostering cultural competency, ensuring that DFAT representatives engage with Indigenous communities in Australia and abroad with respect and understanding.
The Challenge
DFAT sought to integrate Indigenous artistry and storytelling into their learning modules to create a visually engaging and culturally authentic experience. The goal was to develop a sub-brand that complemented the existing DFAT branding while incorporating Indigenous visual elements that resonated with the learning objectives.
Our Approach
Sub-Branding: Developed a unique sub-brand identity for the "Understanding Indigenous Australia" program, ensuring it aligned with DFAT’s overarching visual framework while celebrating Indigenous perspectives.
UIA Art Elements: Created a series of contemporary Indigenous art pieces that seamlessly integrated into the online learning platform, journey diary, video content, and other digital assets. These elements enhanced the storytelling aspect of the program, making it both visually compelling and culturally immersive.
Branded Collateral: Designed a cohesive suite of branded materials, including presentation assets, documentation, and promotional materials, ensuring a unified and professional look across all touchpoints.
The Results
The collaboration resulted in a visually striking and culturally rich learning experience that elevated DFAT’s "Understanding Indigenous Australia" program. The integration of Indigenous art and design elements helped create a more immersive and engaging educational platform, fostering greater awareness and appreciation of First Nations cultures among DFAT staff and stakeholders.
Through this project, Smyth Studio contributed to a meaningful initiative that strengthens cross-cultural understanding and ensures Indigenous representation within government-led education programs.
