Art Life
Footscray Community Arts Centre, Teaching Artist
2017-2019
As a Teaching Artist, I had the privilege of working with adults with intellectual disabilities in an arts program called Art Life. In this program, I developed and ran multimedia and photography classes that aimed to empower my students and help them discover their artistic potential. It was an incredibly rewarding experience for both my students and me.
My photography class was a unique opportunity for my students to explore the city of Melbourne through fieldwork in various areas, including nature, train stations, suburbs, markets, the Central Business District, and more. Through photography, my students were able to express their creativity and discover their unique perspectives on the world. It was amazing to see how their photography skills improved over time and how proud they were of their work.
The multimedia class was another platform for my students to explore their creativity in a broader range of topics. We covered general arts in multimedia topics such as Photoshop, stop-motion animation, and publishing. One of our most significant achievements in this class was co-founding the ‘Art Life Open Studio Coloring Book’. In this project, 38 artists contributed 87 pages worth of drawings, which we distributed throughout Melbourne. Proceeds from the coloring book went directly to the artists, which was a great way to support them financially and showcase their artistic talents.
The success of the Coloring Book led to it becoming an annual publication, which helped to build a sense of community and pride among the artists. The publication also allowed the artists to showcase their work to a broader audience and get recognition for their talent. It was incredible to see how this project brought people together and empowered them to express themselves in new ways.
The Art Life program provided my students with a unique opportunity to be part of the greater community and express themselves creatively. It was amazing to see how they blossomed and discovered their artistic potential over time. The program also had a positive impact on their self-esteem and confidence. Through their artwork, my students were able to showcase their unique perspectives and talents, breaking down stereotypes and barriers associated with intellectual disabilities.
As a Teaching Artist, the experience of working with the Art Life program was incredibly rewarding. I was able to witness the transformative power of the arts and how it can empower individuals to express themselves creatively and connect with others. Art Life is a program that not only teaches valuable skills but also helps to create a more inclusive and accepting society for people with intellectual disabilities.
