MEDIA RELEASE - Youth art sculpture unveiled at AquaCentre
December 2015
In April 2015, the Shire of Manjimup was selected as one of four local government areas to pilot the 'Regional Youth Collaborative Project'.Receiving $25,000 from the Department of Local Government and Communities, the Shire has coordinated with local artists and schools on the creation of a sculptured outdoor lounge room, which was unveiled today at the Manjimup Regional AquaCentre.
Two renowned artists - Lewis Horne and Rod Laws - have been engaging with students from five schools and two youth zones across the Shire. "The decorative panels for the two concrete lounges and the ottoman have been on a 'schools road show' with the artists, and students have taken part in both the design and decoration phases," said Shire President Wade DeCampo.
Schools that have been involved in the project are Manjimup Senior High School, Northcliffe District High School, St Joseph's Pemberton and Kearnan College Manjimup.
During his address, Cr DeCampo said "this unveiling is a celebration of our youth, who have taken the project to where it is today. Congratulations, I hope being a part of this project has been both satisfying and rewarding. I also hope you will take part in future projects and stay engaged with your communities, because you are our future." Cr DeCampo also thanked the Department of Local Government and Communities for funding the project and St John of God Bunbury for providing lunch for the event.
"The Shire has improved in the arts and culture area over the last few years, particularly with youth art projects such as the mural on Blythe Way in Manjimup and also the mural at the AquaCentre," said Cr DeCampo. "It is about instilling community pride in our youth, engaging them in community life and creating a sense of belonging for them and their families."
The furniture has been placed to complement the planned enhancement and beautification of the outdoor area at the AquaCentre, which will create a more useable and vibrant space for the community, particularly youth, to enjoy.
Over the summer holidays, youth are invited to take part in mosaicking workshops to decorate the remaining outdoor furniture. Workshops will be held on Wednesday 13 January and Sunday 17 January 2016, between 11am and 2pm, at the AquaCentre. Interested youth are advised to contact Sharon Wilkinson at the Shire of Manjimup on 9771 7777 or via Sharon.wilkinson@manjimup.wa.gov.au, to register your attendance.
