Over 30 local children recently had their artworks displayed in a unique art exhibition at Manly’s Gallery 109 as part of Good Planet Studio’s fully funded 10-week art therapy program focusing on supporting children around climate anxiety.
Made possible by funding from Sydney North Health Network, through the Ministry of Health ($10,000 Extreme Weather Connected Communities Grant) and Be Centre (a children’s mental health charity specialising in early intervention for young people), the program provided the opportunity for children on the Northern Beaches to express their unique perspectives on climate change through various artistic mediums.
The exhibition, which was on display in July, saw parents, guardians, family and friends, as well as Northern Beaches Mayor, Sue Heins, invited to experience the young artists’ unique perspectives on climate change through a diverse range of mediums.
Emily Legg, one of Be Centre’s experienced therapists explains, “It is important to explain that this is not an art class and finished pieces were not the goal. The works are a snapshot of the therapeutic process. All our artists are affected by the repercussions of climate change, this group was a space to explore what our natural world means to us, and we used creativity to access this connection to our lands.”
Tania Taylor (Be Centre Chief Executive Officer), Rob McCall (SNHN Emergency Preparedness Coordinator), Deborah Killelea (Be Centre Chair), Deborah Pallavicini (SNHN General Manager Primary Healthcare Engagement & Coordination), Mayor Sue Heins
To continue this program, Be Centre are seeking further funding. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact: info@becentre.org.au