How COVID allows educators to creatively connect to the arts

Description

Galleries and cultural centres have been forced to close their doors during COVID, and rapidly develop online resources to engage their audiences. This can be a boon for educators, and their students with art experiences more accessible online than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic has completely disrupted the arts and cultural industries, according to the Australia Council for the Arts. Excursions have been restricted and access to creative materials are also a challenge in lockdown. This was the case for our much-anticipated Art-Reach program run in partnership with McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery, our pre-service teachers and local school children. Inspired by galleries from around the world, we re-imagined our fieldwork and took it entirely online. Working in collaboration we created art activities for families, children and teachers. The activities were designed to encourage playful art-making activities using everyday materials, as well as providing art appreciation activities for families, children and teachers. We called this art@home.