MCA inspires disadvantaged kids

Disadvantaged students from across New South Wales and the ACT have taken part in a four day workshop at the Museum of Contemporary Art last week.

The 12 teenagers were selected to take part in the workshop by independent children’s charity The Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program.

The co-ordinator of formal and informal learning at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Adele Maskiell says the Year 10 and 11 students got involved in a range of activities.

“At the moment we have three exhibitions on that the students go and engage with. And then they use parts of those works as the inspiration for their own work shops.

“This week we have done everything from paper making to using paint as a sculptural medium, creating spills in the gallery space, stop motion animation,” she says.

At the end of the workshop the students presented their art works at a dedicated exhibition at the museum.

The workshops are held twice a year and are part of the MCA’s Bella Program and the purpose of the four day workshops is to develop the student’s creativity and appreciation of art through a series of exhibition tours, discussions and art making activities.

Shannon, 15, from Penrith, says she took part in the program because she wants to pursue a career in art therapy and really enjoyed her four days.

“I’ve made so many new friends and I’ve achieved confidence in myself.

“It’s a great experience, it’s really fun and I recommend it to anyone,” she says.

The workshops were inspired by the Bella Program’s patron, Cynthia Jackson, whose daughter was an artist who died.

She wanted to give students the same opportunities her daughter had.

The Smith Family’s Regional Program Manager, Michael Regan, says the workshops help young people reach their potential.

“It’s an opportunity for these kids to see what’s possible and to really understand that this is something that they can do.

“They are being pushed and challenged to step beyond their current limitations,” he says.

The program gives students a chance to build up a portfolio of art work and work with artists, curators and art educators.

Melanie, 15, from Mount Druitt, says the experience has inspired her.

“It’s helped heaps ad I’ve enjoyed spending time in the galleries and stuff like that.

“I know which different aspects of art I can do now and I hope to become an architect and get some where in the future with art,” she says.

By William Brougham