NEWS

In September 2021, the Eastern Regional Council was approached by WOT Art’s Director and Tutor, Mr. Ryan Galea to collaborate and support a project titled ‘Art for All’. 

Art for All aims to invests in children’s creative and interpersonal skills. Over the last few decades, the proportion of students receiving arts education has globally shrunk drastically. This trend is primarily attributable to the expansion of standardised-test-based accountability, which has pressured schools to focus their resources on tested subjects. The arts challenge us with different points of view, compel us to empathise with “others,” and give us the opportunity to reflect on the human condition. 

Mr. Ryan Galea, with the support from the Eastern Regional Council and sponsored by VGB has offered free informal art lessons to students who show promise in art, whose parents/guardians are not able to financially support their passion for art, or students who come from families with challenging social backgrounds. For this reason, the course has taken on a holistic level, where Mr. Galea has worked with a child psychologist to curate each session. 

After almost 4 months we are seeing incredible works created by these young artists, where passion shines through their art. This project has given an opportunity to marginalised students and has improved their socialising, communication, and friendship skills. 

We are looking at organising an exhibition and potential residency in a space which generates a large attendance; whilst, also keeping in mind the ethos of this project. This residency will exhibit the work created by these students and would ideally be held in a large space.