NCAT Certificate IV in Visual Arts student Angus was selected by the Darebin Council for employment as muralist assistant in May. Under the guidance of local artist Emma Ismawi, Angus helped lead a group of Reservoir Primary School students design and install a new mural in a Reservoir public laneway. Over the course of two workshops, Emma and Angus guided the students through a process of creative ideation via drawing and sketching: exploring ideas of pride, belonging and safe travel to school in Reservoir. This culminated into the design of Legs the Octopus and their animal character friends that make up the composition of the mural. The mural was painted over the course of a week, with the students of Reservoir Primary having a great time. According to the council staff overseeing the project, Angus not only demonstrated his willingness to learn the tricks of the trade from Emma, but also his ability to connect and interact with the Year 6 students to express themselves creatively.
NCAT’s Certificate IV in Visual Arts provides a pathway for learners recently graduating from year 12 programs. As our students are predominantly young adults, NCAT’s partnership with Darebin Council can provide them with opportunities to initiate their creative careers with both paid and volunteer roles in the local community. For the Economic Development & Place Activation Unit at Darebin Council, this project is a great example of the ways that Council can partner with local organisations such as NCAT and Reservoir Primary School to deliver capacity building and skills training initiatives led by young people to achieve inclusive employment outcomes.
Congratulations to Angus!
