Grafitti paints pathways to art careers for at risk youth
Thursday, 25 June 2009 9:39AM
Eight local high school students have left a lasting impression on the Cairns TAFE campus in the form of a giant grafitti mural.
The students, under the expert tutelage of professional artist Daniel 'Wally' Wallwork, took part in an eight week graffiti art project, which included the painting of an 8m x 3m aerosol mural on the wall of a TAFE building.
Called Smart Arts 2009, the project was developed to provide 'at risk' youth and school aged art enthusiasts with exposure to different art practices.
TAFE Institute Director Jo Pyne said the mural was a welcome addition to the campus and attracted a lot of attention during production.
"It's not everyday you see a huge aerosol mural created in front of you and we had students from right across the campus sneaking over for a peak. It's a great sight to see," Ms Pyne said.
"A project like this is all about creating art experiences the students can relate to while they explore arts practice and the learning pathways available to them at school, TAFE and beyond
"The students have contributed to a lasting piece of public art and developed a better understanding of art and art training and what careers are available in the arts sector."
Smart Arts 2009 is a project developed by Education Queensland under the District Youth Achievement Plan (DYAP).
Students attended Cairns TAFE one day per week over eight weeks and learnt skills such as planning, stencilling, drawing and aerosol painting.
It is envisaged that the participants will now transition to part-time art studies through the TAFESEC (TAFE secondary school) range of visual art programs.
The program will also be delivered at Cairns TAFE next term to a new cohort of students.