Translating Indigenous reciprocity into university-led arts practice and assessment

Reciprocity as a measure of exchange and service has deep resonances for many Indigenous communities. For universities that aim to encourage student-learning processes and foster relationships with communities, Indigenous-led measures of reciprocity have been engaging and useful. For communities where student placements and activities provide skills support across areas of need to the community, it can be a tool to manage and foster the relationship. While this is often directed by industry standards and protocols, particularly across the areas of health and education, in the broad creative arts the boundaries are blurred between learner, artist, community-member, expert practitioner and service provider.

This chapter challenges a framing of community solely as recipient and university as informed provider of services, by highlighting where reciprocity can assist in developing meaningful and enduring relationships not just between the institutions, but also for individuals engaged in the process. Translating this reciprocity into a form that universities can understand in the context of learning and assessment is then the goal of all participants and the beginning rather than a capstone end to a learning journey.