Student Voice for Recovery was a student-led bushfire recovery program created to support student recovery, wellbeing and connection. A program delivered by Regional Arts Victoria and the Department of Education and Training to engage Creative Workers in partnership with a local school to work with students over a six-month period to design and deliver a creative project led by the students. I was lucky enough to be placed in both Tallangatta Secondary College & Talgarno Primary School. It was time I will never forget. Such a privilege to work with these students and their teachers.
I loved every minute!!!
Talgarno Primary School
After chatting and wandering with the students, it was decided that a quiet, reflective space in the school grounds would be a welcomed addition. There was a well loved spot by the “broccoli tree” that was earmarked and we got to brain storming what this place might include. The plan was to create an environment surrounded by native plants that would attract the local birds and provide a sheltered and welcoming spot. It would have a table to sit at, with upturned logs for seats. A path to follow made up of mosaic stepping stones, with each students creating their own, as a legacy of their time at the school. So off we went……..designing, drawing, smashing tiles, creating and grouting. It didn’t end there, the students got in and also constructed the garden from edging to gravel and mulch, planting, setting in the stepping stones and even concreting in the table. The best bit was the unveiling, with students cutting the ribbon and sharing their very special place with family and friends.
Tallangatta Secondary College
I began engaging with students to determine the concepts, creative pursuits and passions they wished to explore. The idea of a “cabinet of curiosity” type display, taking up the end wall of the library, was determined to be a possible space to display the many artworks and 3D pieces that would be created during the residency. Lunch time and recess saw the library transformed into a creative hub with over 30 students working on both individual and collaborative pieces. I was technical back up and sourced the materials students needed to realise their chosen pieces. From painting and drawing, to sculpture, mosaic and textile based practices, it became such a diverse offering. The end wall was painted and transformed into a giant display with shelves and hanging space for a collection of artworks. A space that will have the ability to be changed and updated over time.
