Creative ID: 638
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths):
I have a BA in Film and Media studies, previously I have worked as an arts publicist. My most recent and relevant work has been at a local primary school, first as a parent volunteer and then running an after-school art class. I am passionate about making joyful, messy, and creative art works with children. I love seeing kids lose themselves in the process of making and seeing the positive benefits to their behaviour that come with that. I also would like to see art classes become available to all primary school students in my suburb. As the after-school art class has grown, I quickly noticed that the classes were predominantly made up of Pākehā children. Just three out of 26 children were Pacific or Māori, which is not a true representation of the school’s demographic.
I want to increase the amount of art play in school hours, where we would boost our reach to more students a week. Enabling equitable access and eliminating barriers that prevent some Māori and Pacific students attending, it will up-scale this positive creative activity and made it more inclusive and diverse. I love making connections with the kids and working on projects that we get excited about. This ranges from sketching to weaving to print making. We love creating with clay and papier mâché, and we also make jewellery and paint. Pastel and dye is often used and the kids love making sculptural works out of recycled materials. We work on about three or four separate projects per class, with free art play at the end of each session. Art helps to connect and nourish our community, and I see art practice as vital and restorative to our children.
My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner with:
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Media and Film, completed an Incredible Years course in 2019 (parenting and teacher course), completed an interior design course through Nanette Cameron School in 2016
Previous relevant jobs - arts and marketing publicist for six years for art and entertainment non-profit organisations, March 2007 – December 2011
Key accounts: Auckland Museum, Christchurch Arts Festival, Comedy Central, Documentary Edge Festival, NZ Body Art Awards, NZ International Comedy Festival, Manakau Arts Festival (including Cult couture fashion show), MTV, Silo Theatre, Tempo Dance Festival. References available on request.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes:
I adore working with children on art projects – I love seeing their enthusiasm and confidence grow. I love researching new art and craft projects and sourcing the right materials. No art or craft activity is off limits – from sketching to sculptural work to murals – I like to jump to new ideas to keep the kids engaged. I love connecting with the students and see the transformative effect that art can have on their behaviour. Messy process art allows kids to be in the moment, and work through things that might be upsetting them. It's playful and restorative and often does not have a pre-prescribed outcome.
My first foray into hands-on art with children was working at a Halloween event from 2014–2018 (an annual event in the village centre). I was the arts and craft organiser, which included planning the crafts, working with a budget, and helping the children make the craft projects. The ages ranged from 2–15 years old. In 2018 I volunteered in my son’s class, taking messy art play, which I would research, source materials and then teach the class.
I have continued to help at their primary school in the area of art. From 2019 I have run an after-school art class at the primary school twice a week for 1.5 hours per session. The children are a mix of ages. I recently worked on the Matariki event, where students weaved bike wheels with fabric and flax. They also used glow-in-the dark paint and recycled materials to help decorate the bike track. In the past I have taught arts publicity to comedians (teenagers and adults) for the comedy festival.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice:
I love creative play with children, so Creatives in Schools is a no brainer for me. I want to continue working with school-aged kids and seeing the fun and progression they make in their own art practice. I work well with teachers and within school environments, plus I love the connection it brings me with the students. I also relish making, creating, and sharing that passion with the kids. It is an enriching experience for all.