Hosted by the CREATE Centre, this two-day conference is an essential gathering for educators, policymakers, artists, and academics committed to the future of creative education.
This theme invites delegates to explore how creativity and the arts can transform schools and other organisations into inclusive and flourishing communities. It builds on the previous conferences' work in promoting arts-based learning and creative pedagogies, and responds to global initiatives aimed at ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive in school and life. Delegates will consider how arts-based practice supports student wellbeing, fosters community and cultivates global citizenship.
Hear from leading experts who are transforming educational practice through creativity and the arts, and explore innovative strategies that integrate creativity across all educational domains.
Kirli Saunders is a proud Gunai Woman and an award winning multidisciplinary artist, writer, singer songwriter and consultant. She received the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year award in 2020 and an Order of Australia Medal in 2022 for her contribution to the arts. She founded Poetry in First Languages with Red Room Poetry, strengthening First Nations languages and culture through creative practice. Her acclaimed books include The Incredible Freedom Machines, Kindred and the verse novel Bindi, alongside recent work such as Returning. Her practice spans major stages and collaborations with organisations including Google, Fender, Sydney Opera House, Qantas, Spotify, Mecca and Aesop, with a focus on cultural connection, care for Country and community-led arts education.
Thalia Goldstein is Associate Professor of Applied Developmental Psychology at George Mason University, where she directs the Play, Learning, Arts and Youth Lab and leads the Applied Developmental Psychology program. Her research examines how theatre, pretend play and other imaginative worlds build social and emotional skills, including empathy, theory of mind and emotion regulation. She served as principal investigator and co- director of the National Endowment for the Arts Research Lab at the Mason Arts Research Center, and is the author of Why Theatre Education Matters. A former professional actor and dancer, she links studio insight with rigorous research to inform classroom practice and arts policy.
Date: Thursday 12 – Friday 13 February 2026
Location: Education Building, University of Sydney
Who is it for?: Teachers, school leaders, teaching artists, creatives, policymakers, researchers and community organisations.
Format: Two-day, face to face conference featuring keynotes, paper presentations, panels, workshops and showcases of arts-based practice.
Call for papers: Send your proposals for papers, panels and workshops here by 10 November 2025.
Cost: from $330.00, earlybird and school/group booking rates available.
Registration: Follow this link for registration. Please direct additional enquiries to thomas.deangelis@sydney.edu.au. Earlybird prices are available until 1 December.
