Object-based learning (OBL) at FUMA

FUMA supports teaching and learning by:

• Providing digital and physical access to the collections comprising some 8000 works;
• Advising on the selection of artworks relevant to a topic or theme;
• Advising on copyright issues with respect to image reproduction;
• Sharing ‘object-based’ strategies for teaching/learning in the University context;
• Making works available for class-based activities and returning them to the stores;
• Providing a dedicated teaching space and arranging for optimal student engagement;
• Coordinating class bookings; and
• Presenting floor-talks and other programs to accompany curated exhibitions. 

Unless resourced to do so, FUMA staff do not:

• Design curriculum;
• Deliver teaching activities;
• Provide guest-lectures; or
• Undertake research on behalf of academic staff.

OBL takes place on a first-come / first-serve basis and we recommend booking your classes with FUMA well in advance (minimum 8 weeks). If there is minimal flexibility in your teaching schedule email us to check availability for your preferred times before completing the EOI. 

We encourage you to get know the collections through our online resources, publications and by visiting FUMA in person. To take a closer look at specific works of art please make an appointment with FUMA staff in advance. 

• Visit the collections webpage for a general introduction to FUMA’s collections 
  
• To search for works relevant to your teaching, visit the Art Museum Online Collections Catalogue. Preferred browsers include Google Chrome, Firefox 10+ and Safari 6.0+
• Browse our publications list for previous projects
• Visit FUMA in person (open daily 10am-5pm).

FUMA’s collections comprise some 8000 works which can make the task of identifying teaching works a daunting process. Once you have a basic knowledge of what the collections entail, we recommend that you search for specific works via FUMA’s online collections catalogue using the keyword function. 

As the database is a work in progress please note that this may not yield (m)any artworks of interest.
In this case we recommend trialling a range of alternative search terms. Please contact FUMA via email requesting assistance if you are having difficulties in making headway with the search.

FUMA will help identify works and refine your selections based on our knowledge of the artworks and understanding of your teaching aims as communicated to us. The selection of works will also be guided by their availability and suitability for class-based activities.  

For structured teaching activities in a 60 - 90 minute OBL session, we recommend a selection of around 6 – 10 works depending on the type of tasks involved. Please submit the EOI with a list of preferred works. 

FUMA will confirm in writing receipt of the EOI, teaching dates and availability of the artworks.

We will liaise with you about the best configuration for your class and set up the furniture, AV equipment and selected artworks as required.  

On the day of the class a FUMA staff member will be on hand to welcome your group to the Museum and provide incidental assistance if required.

Visitors will be asked to observe the following stipulations:

• Bags to be stored in the lockers upon entry to the space.
• FUMA does not permit food or drink.
• No pens. Please use pencils only (pencils available to borrow).
• Do not touch the artwork or lean against it.
• Photography is for the purposes of personal research only – not publication.

Citing works of art from FUMA’s Online Collections Catalogue for educational purposes at Flinders University

It is the responsibility of users of the Flinders University Museum of Art Online Collections Catalogue to acknowledge artistic works in accordance with Australia’s Moral Rights and Copyright legislation.

The use of images under copyright for any purpose other than educational purposes must have permission from the copyright holder. To reproduce an image for non-educational purposes, please contact the collections team for further advice.

As per the Terms & Conditions in the Online Collections Catalogue user agreement, each image reproduction must be accompanied in close proximity by a caption. We recommend using the Havard referencing style for citing an artwork reproduced on the web.

Higher education faces ongoing challenges in bringing Indigenous perspectives to teaching and learning.

In Australia this is evident in calls for non-Indigenous students to better understand contemporary issues confronting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges to be valued in academic teaching. At Flinders University these are some of the issues being addressed through the institution’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). 

FUMA’s collection of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait art represents a significant opportunity to engage non-Indigenous students and staff with Indigenous cultures, values and perspectives, and the complexity and diversity of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experience. This has been demonstrated through our collaborations in recent years with history and education topics that have had demonstrable impact on the ways in which students have come to recognise and acknowledge the lasting effects of colonisation.

In working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collections FUMA respects the obligations it has to the artists and their communities in ensuring the representation and use of their works is consistent with Indigenous protocols. Please allow time for consultation with Indigenous colleagues, artists and/or their representatives if considering these collections.