VOICES of the Wheatbelt project
The VOICES of the Wheatbelt project involved an 18 month photography exploration with students and adults from five towns located in the Wheatbelt: Kellerberrin, Merredin, Quairading and Tammin. This project culminated with a photography book and exhibition at Kidogo Art House in Fremantle.
The project was funded by the Australia Government and involved over 200 participants taking 26,000 photographs.
Announcement
September 2009
The Voices of the Wheatbelt project was awarded the Excellence in Arts Enterprise Award in the inaugural WA Cultural Achievement Awards 2009. The Award was presented to CAN WA by Minister for Culture and the Arts, the Hon. John Day MLA.
The judges commented that "It was highly encouraging to see an organisation bravely using an easily accessible, yet non-traditional art form to assist the community develop an identity. The wide-reaching and well managed project is a true reflection of the organisation."
photo credit > George Kingsley (Chairperson, CAN WA) and Minister for Culture and the Arts, the Hon. John Day at the inaugural WA Cultural Achievement Awards 2009
June 2009
The Australian Government had extended their funding for the VOICES of the Wheatbelt program for a further year. We're dreaming up bigger and better ideas for the progression of this successful project...so watch this space!
Book and exhibition launch
On Thursday, 4 June 2009, the VOICES of the Wheatbelt photography book and exhibition was launched by Dr. Carmen Lawrence at Kidogo Arthouse on Bathers Beach in Fremantle.
Guests, including participants, teachers, local government, politicians and community members were treated to canapes while gazing on the photographs on display and perusing the book for their photos.
DOWNLOAD: VOICES of the Wheatbelt publication
Student participants attend the launch of the VOICES of the Wheatbelt book
Left > Dr Carmen Lawrence launches the VOICES of the Wheatbelt publication. Photo by James Berlyn.
Right > Pilar Kasat, Managing Director; Dr Carmen Lawrence, George Kingsley, Chairperson; Ivy Penny, CAN WA. Photo by James Berlyn.
VOICES of the Wheatbelt project
In 2008, CAN WA began one of the largest community arts projects in its 27 year history.
The Voices of the Wheatbelt project was developed from the concept of giving 'voice' to the individual and collective perspectives that inform local identity and sense of place. Empowering the communities of the Eastern Wheatbelt to develop their individual and group capacities, create awareness of their social and cultural spaces and establish stronger community relations became the foundation for this project. Spaces were created for learning and engagement, for sharing and telling stories of community members via the artistic mediums of photography and song writing.
With the support of the photographic facilitators, students learnt about the technical and artistic aspects of digital photography, including the elements of design, elements of composition and ways to use light.
Students were encouraged to understand that capturing a great photo isn’t necessarily about creating photographic perfection but is about recognisable personality that the viewer can see and feel. This personality is voiced not only through what the photo is of but also communicates something about the personality of the photographer. Sometimes the personality in a photo arises predominantly from what the photo is of and sometimes a sense of the photographer’s personality is the dominant message. Generally there is a balance and interplay between the two.
The project excelled in giving people in these communities the opportunity to engage in the artistic medium of photography and be involved something creative that also builds self-esteem,
teamwork and community.
Photos from the project
Alex Brindley-Cavanagh Apryl Longford
Shanice Smith Elena Wong
Tyson Gors Lisa Macklin