Local schools to benefit from new digital art portal

Inspired by the WestConnex public art program, Canal to Creek has launched to allow students and educators to access the intrinsic value of local public art.

Member for Oatley, Mark Coure, is pleased to see that this new digital portal will inspire student creativity while allowing them to uncover the meaning and significance behind local public art pieces.

“The 360 degree online portal allows students to explore pieces from one of Australia’s largest public art programs so that they can learn directly from the thought processes and creative flair of individual artists,” Mr Coure said.

“This portal is a creative means of covering the NSW school curriculum and it will be targeted towards students in Years 7 to 10.”

Visual Arts Design Educators Association Co-President, Nicole DeLosa, who launched the portal at today’s VADEA Annual Conference, said public art was now more accessible than ever.

“We believe that the WestConnex public art portal is one of the most innovative and exciting educational experiences we have seen. The portal delivers a truly relevant and unique approach to interact with these commissioned artworks in a relevant and engaging way,” Ms DeLosa said.

“Importantly, the portal aligns directly to the NSW curriculum and includes worksheets, unit overviews, suggested in-class art making activities and all the information that schools need to achieve the key learning outcomes.”

Canal to Creek is named in reference to the waterways that connect the sites and is part of a broader commitment by WestConnex and Transurban as well as both the NSW and Australian Governments, to deliver around 18 hectares of new open space as part of this major infrastructure project.

For more on the public art program and the related educational resources, please visit: canaltocreek.com. The community is also encouraged to get involved by sharing and interacting with the new Canal to Creek Instagram page, which can be accessed via the page name: @CanaltoCreek.