ArtStories promote literacy and wellbeing
Wednesday 13 September 2006
Five school communities are participating in an innovative school-based research project, using arts-based activities to help promote wellbeing and literacy in school communities.
DEET Students Services General Manager Susan Bowden said the project is bearing fruit with a variety of artwork and stories going on display at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory at Bullocky Point, from 8-18 September.
It is envisaged that the three year ArtStories project will impact upon and improve partnerships building, wellbeing, literacy and art learning through participation in art-based activities by students, parents, teachers and community members.
"Students Services Wellbeing Officers Catherine Threlfall and Edel Musoc have been facilitating the project in the schools since the start of the year and have seen some great results,” Ms Bowden said.
“The schools have tailored their activities to meet the needs of their students, parents and teachers in their communities. Wulagi Primary School for example is using ArtStories sessions to engage a group of Year 2-3 boy students with the use of computer animation software to express and create stories about themselves and their community.
“Humpty Doo Primary School’s transition students, teachers, parents and other community members are participating in a range of activities including singing, photography, drawing, painting, storytelling and moving,” Ms Bowden said.
The ArtStories project is a partnership between Charles Darwin University (CDU) and the Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET); the students, parents and teachers at Wagaman and Wulagi Primary Schools; Humpty Doo and Howard Springs Primary Schools; and Numbulwar Community Education Centre (CEC).