About the Project
The Thornbury Primary School AR Mural is a Creative Victoria–funded collaboration between Adjadura Studioand Thornbury Primary School, co-designed with over 90 Grade 5/6 students.
The project engaged students in creating nine 60-second Augmented Reality (AR) cultural knowledge experiences that celebrate First Nations culture, storytelling, and creativity. These works were then printed and installed as a 5 × 2 metre AR-activated mural at the school’s entrance, becoming both an educational and artistic landmark.
The mural showcases how creative technology can connect learning and culture, allowing students to explore storytelling, identity, and respect for Country through immersive art experiences embraced by the entire school community.
Creative Process
The project was developed through an intensive creative process led by Daen Sansbury-Smith (Adjadura Studio) and Isobel Knowles (lead animator and artist).
Students and artists worked collaboratively across multiple art forms and techniques, including:
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Green screen filming and video performance
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Stop motion animation and frame-by-frame drawing
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Painting and illustration
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Writing scripts and recording narrations
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Audio recording, sound design, and original music production
These diverse mediums came together to produce a vibrant, multi-layered mural that celebrates both the creative freedom of young artists and the richness of First Nations knowledge.
Each student’s contribution — from drawings to voiceovers — became part of an evolving artwork that connects personal expression with shared cultural understanding.
From the Artist — Daen Sansbury-Smith (Adjadura Studio)
Working with the students at Thornbury Primary School revealed how naturally young people engage with culture, technology, and creative thinking.
The project was about more than just making art — it was about collaboration, pride, and community. Through AR, students were able to see their own drawings and voices come to life, creating a powerful sense of ownership and connection.
For me, this work reflects the importance of embedding First Nations storytelling in everyday learning spaces, so the next generation can see culture as something alive, evolving, and part of who they are.
Community & Partners
This project was developed in collaboration with Thornbury Primary School and proudly supported by Creative Victoria.
The success of the mural reflects the strong partnership between educators, artists, and students, showcasing the power of creative learning when grounded in cultural awareness, inclusivity, and innovation.
