Media release
Good Stories on the Wall
Friday 19 October 2007
Professional artist Janie Andrews has been working with young Belyuen School students and community members to preserve local stories and beautify the school with vibrant wall murals.
The project aims to encourage student interest in the creative arts with a focus on visual arts as local Indigenous community members bring their oral stories to life in prominent places around the school.
The first phase of the project was the reproduction of students' artwork on the external walls of the Junior / Preschool building last term. Students are currently working with Ms Andrews to paint a large scale map of Cox Peninsula, Bynoe Harbour and Darwin Harbour with important sites named in the local Emmi language. Later this term 3 more large murals will be created for the school's breakfast area.
Teaching Principal Tim Webb said, “One of the great benefits of the project is that it brings community members into the school to look at their children's work which is on display right around the school. The community are very proud of their school and especially proud of the murals that will be a long term keepsake to enjoy for years to come.”
Originally from England, Janie Andrews worked for many years as a props and designs creator for theatres. This year she has worked in each of the 15 group schools in the Top End creating large dyed silk banners to promote health education.
Ms Andrews said she has thoroughly enjoyed working with students at Belyuen School and the school's warm, caring environment and positive atmosphere.
The Artists in Schools program gives students, teachers, parents and the wider community the chance to work with professional artists.
The NT Department of Employment, Education and Training and the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts jointly fund small grants to schools for projects that enrich school art programs.
This year artists were funded in 9 Government and non-government schools across the Northern Territory.