Samantha Edwards-Vandenhoek is a multi-award-winning community-based design researcher, digital media artist and educator. Partnering with art centres, museums and schools, Samantha’s research seeks to advance the role of place-based design, media and filmmaking practices in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community development; fostering social well-being, knowledge transfer, intercultural collaboration and economic resilience. In 2019, she was the recipient of the highly prestigious International Good Design Award for Social Impact for ‘Our Journey’, an animated film made with the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School and Australia Chamber Orchestra. Funded by the Australian Government and developed in partnership with Indigenous designers, artists and community organisations, Samantha coordinates Marngo Designing Futures, an aspiration initiative that connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people with University through the world of culture-centred design and digital storytelling technologies – Marngo Design Futures. Recognised for her contributions to teaching, service and research, Samantha has been awarded the 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence, 2016 Vice Chancellors Award for Community Engagement and 2018 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Reconciliation.
