Artists inspire creative collaborations
11 February 2005
Friday 11th February 2005
The value and benefits of collaborative art projects to the community will become much clearer because of a research project by the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA).
The study of nine projects will help to identify the contributions that artists have made to community-strengthening projects, and how their skills can best be used to support them.
Announcing a $41,500 Victorian Community Support Grant for the project at Southbank today, the Minister for Victorian Communities, Mr John Thwaites, said the results of the study would be used by government and community groups.
“There is a lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest that arts activities can help to break down communication barriers. The nine case studies developed out of the project will show us how this happens and where they work most effectively,” Mr Thwaites said.
“The knowledge we gain will feed directly into the policy work of community organisations and Government departments to improve the quality and impact of community-strengthening activities.”
The project team, managed by the VCA, will evaluate each of the nine projects according to what new skills were developed, how they improved interaction and communication, how marginalised groups benefited from the techniques applied, and how participation was increased.
Projects to be evaluated include a Women and the Arts initiative ‘Somebody’s Daughter’ aimed to assist women in prison, ex-prisoners and youth at risk with the issues of abuse and self-neglect. By providing them with the opportunity to express themselves through drama, dance, art and music many found their voice and were empowered to turn their lives around.
Each of the case studies will be published in hardcopy by August this year, and will be available to art students and community groups as a useful information tool for use when planning new projects.
“There is an increasing demand for artists with community and cultural development skills. The results of this will assist the VCA in the development of their academic course specifically focussed on teaching these skills,” Mr Thwaites said.
“Through the Community Support Fund, the Bracks Government is able to support and encourage activities that reinforce community relationships throughout Victoria.
“Research projects such as this one provide strong foundations for the planning of future activities which will lead to stronger and more positive communities.”
Website: http://www.vca.unimelb.edu.au
