The Creative Workers in Schools (CWS) employed 172 creative industries workers to undertake six-month residencies in Victorian government schools.
Creative workers and schools were supported to work together to co-design and deliver a creative arts program that supported learning across the Victorian Curriculum F–10 over two school terms in 2021.
The CWS program was delivered by Regional Arts Victoria (RAV) through the support of the Victorian Government’s Working for Victoria (WFV) initiative, and in partnership with the Department of Education and Training (DET) and Creative Victoria.
I was lucky enough to be offered a place in this fabulous program working alongside Kyabram P-12 with the Primary School students. The school had a large wall picked out with the intention of a mural. The opportunity was offered as a recess and lunchtime activity, with children flowing in and out as they pleased.
An initial brainstorming saw the children come up with the concept of “Our Town”, with the mural to represent important features and activities that made up this special place.
Individual sketches were drawn that were then collaged to create an image that incorporated all the ideas put forward.
Once drawn on the wall, painting began. Every school recess and lunch were a hub of paintbrushes and conversations, with many spectators watching the progress and cheering on our masterpiece.
The final reveal was celebrated by the whole school, with stories of individual student project experiences shared. All excited that this piece of art would be a part of the school environment even after they had moved on.
My favourite quote of the day was from Ewan
“It was the best part of being in Grade 6."
It was a privilege to have been a part of this project and the personal development opportunities and support through Regional Arts Victoria were amazing.
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