Seymour, VIC

Seymour Flexible Learning Centre

Seymour, VIC

Seymour Flexible Learning Centre

A street art education project with Seymour Flexible Learning Centre.

This project supported a diverse group of young people to develop creative skills.

Guided by 90 Degrees artists and their teachers, ten students aged 15 to 19 worked on this three-month project.

Because Seymour is on the Goulburn River, the theme was Where the river runs. As the young people had diverse learning needs and experiences, we embraced all ideas. We wanted to build their confidence and participation.

Each kid is different. They need different approaches to learning. Some jump right in and others are quieter and need more time to develop their skills.

Dan Wenn, 90 Degrees artist

Students learned how to develop a concept, from initial brainstorming, to artwork ideas and rough sketches. They kept journals with design ideas, sketches, experimentation, inspiration, research and reference images. They learned how to scale ideas up to paint them full size on a wall.

The project began with a practical workshop on spray painting techniques and safety. Weekly online check-ins and teacher-led tasks ensured ongoing progress. For creative inspiration, we took the students on an excursion to visit the renowned Everfresh Studio in Melbourne. A midway workshop focused on concept development and advanced techniques. Finally, Dan worked alongside the students for five days, painting the murals on-site.

The completed project has three distinct murals

"Taungurung" is a blend of illustrative elements, photorealism, and stencils. It depicts the students' connection to place and their stories.
The "hands" mural, conceived by one of the students, represents the students' attachment to the learning centre and the care they receive.
The "class" mural allowed each student to express their individuality. They all designed and added elements like stencils and tags.

Where the river runs shows the power of art education and community collaboration. The young people developed confidence and skills, and developed ideas based on their values for their community.

This project was funded with a Creative Learning Partnership grant from Creative Victoria.