Bare Skills is a series of art and survival workshops for young people aged 14 to 25, developed by Parramatta Artists Studios and Baramadagal custodians. Inspired by consultation with youth and engaging young artists to lead workshops, Bare Skills aims to redefine learning and creative experiences.
The first iteration of Bare Skills in 2025 brought together First Nations knowledge holders, climate experts and artists with cultural and ecological practices to provide participants with skills they could use to survive in an existential crisis. Each workshop’s activities were inspired by a specific theme: Emergency, Clothing, Healing, Shelter, Food, Water and Fire.
Bare Skills is a safe and supportive space to encourage skill-sharing, truth telling, intergenerational solidarity and expansive definitions of creativity – or what it means to be an artist at the end of the world. PAS welcomes young people to be their authentic selves at Bare Skills and provides a themed drawing table, quiet area and library to encourage participation in whatever way feels comfortable.
In 2026, Bare Skills will relaunch with a new series co-designed by Baramadagal custodian Linda Sainsbury. Stay tuned for upcoming workshops.
Image from Bare Skills: Clothing, raffia skirt making workshop by artist Morgan Hogg. Photo: Jeauneil Baptiste
Bare Skills: Emergency, artist Bonnie Huang running a DIY ‘grab bag’ workshop. Photo: Estelle Yoon.
Bare Skills: Clothing, weaving workshop with Baramadagal custodians. Photo: Jeauneil Baptiste
Bare Skills: Food, cooking class with Baramadagal custodians. Photo: Rihana Elsamouly
Bare Skills: Healing, drawing reflection table. Photo: Rihana Elsamouly
Bare Skills: Shelter, wildlife hotel making workshop with City of Parramatta Bushcare team. Photo: Rihana Elsamouly
Bare Skills: Water, collective paperbark test in workshop by Linda Sainsbury. Photo: Rihana Elsamouly