Artistic numeracy and literacy

CREATIVELY learning is at the heart of the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre’s Literacy Through Art program led by artist Pauline O’Shannessy-Dowling.

Over the course of term 4, the class worked towards crafting a series of panels to create a mural for the one of the centre’s exterior walls.

“The idea is to create a mural but also incorporate literacy and numeracy into the program, aimed at people, that for them English is not their first language,” Ms O’Shannessy-Dowling said.

“It’s designed to assist people with their language skills, comprehension but also team work and leadership skills with a view to move into the workforce.”

Volunteer at the Centre’s Our Kitchen program and member of the Literacy Through Art class Irma Mutuc said throughout the creative lessons she surprised herself.

“As a non-artist I was initially daunted by the thought of taking on such a challenge, especially within the timeframe we were given.

“Looking back on this experience, I view it as one of growth which mirrored my experiences here in the centre over the last few months… I’m actually really proud.

“I just got here and staying in this new community, I wanted to find a way to make my mark, understand how the community functions and how to integrate and actually be relevant.”

The Centre’s community engagement officer Emily Macdonald said with this project and many of the others, the aim is to provide a sense of belonging for community members.

“What better way than to have them design and create artworks for the building for the whole community to enjoy?” she said.

“They look fantastic and we can’t wait to see them installed on the front of the centre.”

Having run the class this term for the first time, Ms O’Shannessy-Dowling said due to the success of the program they are hoping to continue with another mural project in the new year.

“I have worked on projects like this before within the community in the past … I try to take a step back and let people do their thing,” she said.

“It’s a great way of letting people shine, a couple of the students were nervous about making their mark but part of what I’m trying to get people to explore is their own mark making.”