Grantlea Downs School
Region: Canterbury/Chatham Islands
Art form: Multi-Disciplinary
Project name: Te Aritarakihi Stream art project
Creative name: Penni Naylor
Project information: The revitalisation of the Taitarakihi stream is a whole-school initiative and part of our school vision aiming to grow a community of learners. As a result of participating in this project, ākonga will not only gain further understanding of the significance of the stream in our community, but they will also have their mental wellbeing supported by engaging in creative expression.
Two artworks are planned. The whole school will be invited to submit ideas and suggestions for this initiative. For the first project, 35 students will be selected to complete a mural that reflects the historical and present-day significance of the Taitarakihi stream in our local community. This will include creatures that used to inhabit the area and native trees and plants that have recently been added to enhance the surroundings. Grantlea Downs School and the community have embraced this project and are dedicated to the conservation and upkeep of this stream.
Secondly, we will expand this knowledge further by creating a sensory sculpture garden that reflects key elements of the stream and provides a quiet, reflective place for students to spend time in. Eight sculptures are to be created, and this project will involve a further 16 students. Students will be involved in this project from the design stage to the completion of the artworks, engaging with their peers, the school, and the wider community. They will gain experience of and appreciation for working on collaborative projects and learn the skills necessary to complete a mural and a 3D artwork.
Project starting: May 2022
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