Celebrating student art and the Radford spirit

Radford College is fortunate to have a team of exceptionally talented educators, and one of the standouts is Secondary School teacher and accomplished textile artist, Ms Dimity Kidston. In 2023, Netflix recognised Dimity’s extraordinary skill, commissioning her to design a tapestry for their winter series, a project that showcased her remarkable artistry. Building on that success, Dimity is now embarking on a year-long tapestry project for the College, one that will weave in student contributions and celebrate the vibrant Radford spirit.

Dimity credits the Netflix commission as a source of inspiration for her latest endeavour, reigniting her passion for textile art and its potential to foster engagement and connection. "I wanted to bring that same sense of collaboration and storytelling into the school environment, creating a piece that reflects the identity of the College while allowing students to witness and participate in the creative process," she explains.

Students will be actively involved in shaping the tapestry, not just as observers but as contributors to its design. Dimity is currently drawing inspiration from beautiful illustrations by Year 4 students, which she plans to incorporate into the final piece. “The design is still evolving, but student contributions are central to the process. I am hoping the final design will reflect the plants associated with the College Houses (Jarrah, Acacia, Huon, Banksia, Boronia, Karri, Kurrajong and Wandoo), weaving together elements of nature with student creativity. This approach ensures the tapestry has a meaningful connection to the College and its community,” Dimity shares.

This unique fusion of College symbolism and student involvement ensures the tapestry will hold deep meaning for the entire community. Over the next 12 months, students can also see Dimity at work and engage in hands-on learning. “With dedicated time set aside in my timetable, I will be able to focus on the tapestry while also engaging students in discussions and hands-on learning opportunities. I will be working in the Secondary School art rooms, and students are welcome to come in, observe, ask questions and even learn the techniques involved. The more engagement, the better!” says Dimity.

Upon completion, the tapestry will be prominently displayed within the College. A potential spot under consideration is the Principal’s Building reception area, where students, staff and visitors alike can appreciate the collaborative effort behind the work.

As this project unfolds, it will serve as a powerful testament to the value of creativity and collaboration. Dimity’s vision goes far beyond simply creating art; it’s about uniting the Radford community, celebrating student creativity and telling the College’s story through the enduring medium of textiles.