Online and distance groups

Virtual Excursions

Overview

Can't make it to Canberra? Let the National Portrait Gallery come to you! Our Virtual Excursions connect the Gallery to classrooms and community groups from all over Australia and beyond. Wherever you are, you can participate in live, fully-interactive learning programs and virtual excursions aligned with the Australian Curriculum. All our programs encourage participants to explore new ideas, ways of seeing and to respond creatively, in order to understand and appreciate Australian history, people and art.

The Virtual Excursions project is made possible with funds donated by Tim Fairfax AC.

How does it work?

Virtual Excursions are 60-minute learning programs where your group has access to a Gallery Learning Facilitator via videoconferencing.

You can connect with your:

Videoconferencing system – e.g. Polycom, Tandberg or similar;
Classroom PC or Mac with connected webcam and microphone;
Mobile device(s) – e.g. iPads, Android tablets.

Once you’ve made a booking, the Gallery will email you more information with instructions on how to connect.

Bookings & contacts

To make a booking, please go to the bookings page and choose Virtual Excursions from the program list and please state the program name in the 'Special requirements' field.

We welcome any general enquiries, or discussions regarding specific content for programs. Please contact the Digital Learning Coordinator Alana Sivell (02) 6102 7060.

Current programs

Browse the list of Virtual Excursions on offer below.

Put Yourself in the Picture

Visual Arts (Foundation to Year 10)

What is a portrait? Explore a selection of historical and contemporary Australian examples and the stories behind them. Be inspired by the artists' techniques to create a self-portrait.

Portrait of Captain James Cook RN, 1782 by John Webber

History in the Frame

History (Years 3 to 6)

From Truganini to Ned Kelly - we investigate a range of portraits to piece together Australia's development as a nation. Discover people's migration and colonisation stories, different perspectives and the historical value of portraiture.

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018

Photography (Years 7 to 10)

Explore the historic and contemporary works featured in our Collection and the Prize. Question what makes a compelling photograph as you examine photographers’ different approaches and feel inspired in your own art making practice.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements and activism

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies (Years 4 to 6)

How have artists captured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in portraits? Explore different techniques used by artists and learn about the people in the portraits – their achievements, roles, stories of activism and connection with country.

Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz, 1983 by Harold Thornton

Portrait of Australian Society

Civics and citizenship (Years 7 to 10)

How do we participate in this diverse and interconnected world? Reflect on your own civic responsibilities and discover the lives of individuals through their portraits and how they have contributed to Australia’s evolving identity.

Marcia Langton, 2009 by Brook Andrew, Trent Walter

Because of her we can: NAIDOC week celebrations

Foundation to Year 12

Join our experienced live Learning Facilitators in a virtual excursion dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Guided by the 2018 NAIDOC theme: Because of her we can, students and teachers will ‘meet’ some of the significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in the collection.