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As NAIDOC Week is celebrated across the country, we're reflecting on a week of collaboration with proud Noongar artist Darryl Dempster, who joined us from Monday 23 to Friday 27 June as our NAIDOC Artist in Residence through the HotHouse Company.

Born in Kepa Kurl (Esperance) and now based in Boorloo (Perth), Darryl is an emerging artist whose vibrant works speak volumes despite living with limited verbal abilities. His art is a powerful form of communication, transforming everyday objects such as paper bags, garments, street signs and found materials into vivid visual stories rooted in culture and emotion.

Throughout the week, Darryl worked alongside students in our Senior School art room, offering inspiration and a unique lens into his creative world. Known for working on multiple pieces at once, Darryl’s studio practice is dynamic and intuitive, marked by bold splashes of colour, expressive gestures and a deep emotional current that runs through each work. Darryl listens to music as he paints, drawing inspiration from the sounds he hears. His expressive nature extends beyond painting—he loves to sing and dance while he works, turning the creative process into a performance in its own right.

All Saints’ College is grateful for the opportunity to host such an amazing artist on our Campus. His time with us offered students insight into a powerful artistic practice and an extraordinary way of working. 

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, celebrates 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices and culture. Darryl Dempster’s visit embodies this spirit, leaving an enduring spark in our community and inspiring students through creativity and connection.