Lleah Smith

Lleah Smith is a pedagogical practitioner. She engages in making, writing and research through her independent practice and her position as Curator, Programs and Learning at the Biennale of Sydney. Smith works with audiences of all ages to develop critically engaged and socially conscious projects. Formative learning experiences, which have significantly shaped Smith’s pedagogical approach include, FUTURE SCHOOL (2022) and Youth4CareParty (2020), alongside anti-symposium (2022) and Water Lessons (2021) for the Biennale of Sydney.

‘FUTURE SCHOOL’ is a response to the shift from ‘traditional classroom’ to the realities introduced by COVID restrictions. It is a creative reimagining, capitalising on the fractures exposed by the pandemic. School rules have been dissolved and young people are invited to create a new ‘manifesto’ outlining their aims and with ‘principles’ mapping how they will ensure the aims are met. ‘FUTURE SCHOOL’ intends to radically transform the role of the school by building and developing young people, and questioning the function of the school within a community. Collaborators: Bonnie Cowan (theatre-maker), Ankit Mishra (cinematographer) and Kandos Public School, with special thanks to teacher Rachelle Connellan. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. FUTURE SCHOOL is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW