31/07/2019
On Monday 29 July, the Visual and Performing Arts Faculties facilitated an ‘arts’ enrichment day for Year 8 students. The day, titled Enhance II, was designed to extend and enrich students’ understanding of the learning areas and professional pathways available in the arts industry.
Dr Wattam began the day with an engaging address on the value that creativity and participation in the arts offer. The creative and performing arts are key learning areas that help to develop well-rounded young people, enhancing their sense of self and providing safe spaces to explore and express complex issues. Students were given the opportunity to hear from and work with professional artists and performers: Tonee Messiah (Visual Artist), Yure Covich (Actor and Director), Rowan Dix ‘04 (Musician and Entertainer) and Uli Latukefu ‘02 (Actor).
Each professional delivered a 15-minute presentation of their arts practice. Students heard firsthand anecdotes detailing how each professional has and continues to work in the arts sphere, and how they develop/realise their creative ideas. Following this, students participated in three workshops; each designed to enhance student knowledge and understanding. Workshops included abstract painting, self-portraits in printmaking, music production/song generation and an interactive session on character development in both film and TV settings.
The day was dynamic and a valuable experience, heightened by the talks from Rowan and Uli, both Old Boys from the College. The opportunity to hear from and meet Old Boys making a success in the arts or any industry is a valuable experience for young men.
It was pleasing to see the active engagement and enthusiastic energy offered by all attendees. Days like Enhance II, reinforce the rigour, excellence and future possibilities available to students in the Visual and Performing Arts.
