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View all programs SmArts Artcastle, a circus of creativity
12 July 2023
Aspiring young artists showcased their talents after studying some of the greatest at the 2022 ‘circus’ themed SmArts Artcastle program. Hosted in partnership with TAFE NSW Hunter Street, students in Years 9 and 10 immersed themselves in a fun and full three-day program under the guidance of professional artists.
Through drawing, painting and sculpting, students explored their abilities while learning new ways to extend their skills. Their goal was to create a final circus-themed artwork from recycled materials. Students studied the works of Salvador Dali and sculptor Alexander Calder, taking inspiration from their creative worlds for their own works.
“It is really unique, which is what drew me to it,” says Tahma, one of our SmArts participants, about the program. “I’d never used plaster before, so that was cool. I used plaster and mesh to make a 3D sculpture, along with my drawing which consisted of recycled materials.”
After the first day of learning and making, flooding meant the program had to be postponed. But floodwaters didn’t dampen the students’ enthusiasm, who returned a month later to finish their artworks.
In the end, students showcased an array of 2D and 3D circus-themed sculptures. SmArts links students from Year 8 to Year 12 who are interested in the arts, with art organisations and relevant career information. The creative program aims to raise students’ education aspirations and career knowledge of the art.
It is a wonderful partnership that we have with the TAFE, which allows us to recruit students from across the region to open up potential career pathways for them,
Our 2021-22 the SmArts Outcomes report found 78% of students had an increased level of confidence after taking part in SmArts. An amazing 94% increased their creative skills and 92% agreed they have more information to continue with their creative interests on their own.
“This is an incredible opportunity that opens doors to those who may have never thought to do something like this,” Deb adds. “I have had students tell me at the end they now want to pursue a career as an art teacher or a graphic designer – that’s been incredibly rewarding.”
Tahma came away from the program having enjoyed her time and feeling gratitude for the experience. “I’d like to thank the TAFE NSW staff for their help and The Smith Family for putting the event together,” says Tahma. “It was exciting to be a part of it.”
“This is an incredible opportunity that opens doors to those who may have never thought to do something like this,” Deb adds. “I have had students tell me at the end they now want to pursue a career as an art teacher or a graphic designer – that’s been incredibly rewarding.”
Tahma came away from the program having enjoyed her time and feeling gratitude for the experience. “I’d like to thank the TAFE NSW staff for their help and The Smith Family for putting the event together,” says Tahma. “It was exciting to be a part of it.”
