In This Place is a year-long learning program created at acclaimed arts centre, Bundanon that offers unique connections to art, Country, landscape and learning, to Shoalhaven NSW secondary students experiencing relative socio-economic disadvantage.
This exceptional multidisciplinary exploration of place unites learning, creativity and Country and leverages Bundanon’s unique landscapes to help students to establish robust connections and community during the extended course of the program and for life beyond.
Bundanon, a nationally significant cultural institution, was founded in 1993 on 1,000 hectares of wildlife refuge near Shoalhaven NSW - Country of the Dharawal and Dhurga language groups.
It is an astonishingly beautiful place.
Bundanon’s lands were gifted to the Australian people by renowned artist Arthur Boyd and his wife Yvonne, who believed deeply in the power of art, and place, and desired to share forward the opportunity to be inspired by the extraordinary and ancient landscape that they so loved.
77.5% of In This Place students report feeling that the program “challenged me to think in a different way”, and 94.5% reported that it “made me feel connected to nature”.*
*Source | Bundanon | In This Place Year 2 Report | May 2026
Bundanon’s In This Place program is an example of the excellence for which the centre has become renowned.
An education initiative conceived to improve access to Bundanon facilities for local, at-risk and high-potential high school students, it is conducted on-site over four day-long Bundanon visits, scheduled across the seasons.
Developed by Bundanon’s Learning team in consultation with leading educators and specialists, the program brings together cross-curricula and multi-modal outcomes - chosen by participating schools - and incorporating Visual Arts with other subjects such as History, English, Science and Geography.
Participating students experience and develop a personal relationship with a place in their community building knowledge, curiosity and a deeper connection to Country that truly broadens hearts and minds.
In This Place is made possible for students solely through philanthropic funding.
Coolaroo Foundation is proud to fund this program which offers local students important access to new creative pathways, experiences and ways of thinking about the world.
“This was an incredible, immersive experience, rich in localised culture.”
