An eye-opening collection of children’s artworks is the subject of “Perspectives” an exhibition on display now in the foyer of Tutu Karralikanungku (Carclew) for SA’s History Festival. The exhibition showcases a collaboration between the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Carclew that invited children to explore First Nations perspectives in the context of Colonel Light’s plan.
The artworks are the result of a unique experience students from six Adelaide primary schools undertook as part of Carclew’s regular OSHC school holiday program to Montefiore Hill, guided by Narungga, Kaurna, Wirangu and Wotjobaluk woman and arts leader, Lee-Ann Tjunypa Buckskin, and Surveyor General, Bradley Slape.
Guided by facilitating artists Emmaline Zanelli (Exhibition Lead) and Adrianne Semmens (Australian Dance Theatre) the children spent the day creating inspiring artworks and responding in dance to what they had discussed, producing a collection of thought-provoking works of art that show us shifting perspectives on our shared and complex First Nations and colonial histories.
“Perspectives” will be explored by cultural and arts experts in a Bridging Now to Next panel discussion being hosted by Carclew for National Reconciliation Week. Guest panellists, who will include arts leader Lee-Ann Tjunypa Buckskin; Attorney General, Bradley Slape and young First Nations artist, Zoe Kopp, will explore what today’s young people have said about Colonel Light’s statue and the interconnection it offers us between the past and future as seen through their perspectives and expressed through their artworks.
Quotes attributable to Mimi Crowe, Acting Commissioner for Children and Young People
Children are not adults becoming. They are individuals in their own right; at the exact age they should be. Reconciliation is ongoing, complex, and too important to wait until children become adults to start. By engaging with young children on both histories: Colonel Light, through his statue, and sitting on Kaurna Land, we helped very young children consider shared history and complex truths – we are inviting children to be part of a more informed, more unified and connected future.
Read the full statement here
