The arts have been particularly hard hit with many groups and activities being cancelled due to COVID, meaning that a once loved and important part of our community has been missing.
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre will be bringing the arts back into the lives of children and older residents who live in Mandurah and exploring the impact that these activities can have on their sense of belonging, wellbeing and connectedness in a program called 'The Art of Connection' which will run from February to April 2022 for 10 weeks on Tuesdays from 10am-12pm.
Inspired by "Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds" an ABC program addressing Australia's loneliness epidemic, the centre will be facilitating an intergenerational group for children and older residents who would benefit greatly from coming together to share in the power of the arts, to build connections and find out more about each other.
The centre has opened the opportunity for young children (pre-school age) to work with a trio of local, experienced and talented artists to develop artistic skills and benefit from the wisdom of older residents in the community.
The artists, Elli Moody, Kerry Davies and Mark Storen, are all experienced makers, creators and performers.
Elli Moody is an artist/illustrator with extensive experience working in community arts, running inclusive projects and workshops with adults, children and those living with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities.
Kerry Davies has for over 40 years immersed herself in sewing, creating, art, baking, family, community, volunteering. Kerry is an expert facilitator and excels at making a space for people to have a positive creative experience.
Mark Storen has over 17 years' experience as a performer, writer, director and educator both nationally and internationally. A founding member of Whiskey & Boots he has also worked on an intergenerational project with The Globe Town Project.
Parents/guardians will be able to meet the artists and older participants before the start of the project and parents will remain on site during the sessions and will be able to take part in parenting activities as well as arts and wellbeing workshops.
Childcare professionals from Anglicare will be on-site for the whole project to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our young participants.
If you know a four-year-old who may be away from extended family and grandparents, someone who would benefit from connection with some older people? Or an older person who is over the age of 65, maybe a neighbour who is feeling isolated and away from family, someone who would benefit from connection with young vibrant people, please contact the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre for more details.
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre has been awarded funding by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) Culture and the Arts (WA) and Lotterywest Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery - 2020 to 2021 funding program, for this 'The Art of Connection' project.
Daniela Cooper
Daniela has returned to her first love after a decade of working in local, state and federal governments, non-profits and the corporate world. She has a passion for injustice; to be a voice for those who don't have one; to hold power to account; and to bring readers the news without fear. She loves to explore new places and unfamiliar topics (both in her professional and private life) but her go-to loves are travel, health, social justice, foreign affairs and the outdoors. Email daniela.cooper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daniela has returned to her first love after a decade of working in local, state and federal governments, non-profits and the corporate world. She has a passion for injustice; to be a voice for those who don't have one; to hold power to account; and to bring readers the news without fear. She loves to explore new places and unfamiliar topics (both in her professional and private life) but her go-to loves are travel, health, social justice, foreign affairs and the outdoors. Email daniela.cooper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
