24 Oct 2023
Nine ALEC students have been learning to channel their culture through art with one of the area’s best artists, Allan McKenzie Jr.
The program runs over six weeks and is aimed at bringing Indigenous youth together to learn self-worth, resilience, independence, empowerment through culture and art.
“We’re trying to teach these kids to express themselves and to explore their identity through art. Art connects us to our ancestors and culture,” explains Allan.
“I started painting when I was eight,” he adds, “Art has always been a part of my world and my identity. Art heals. It heals our core spirit. Passing art and the healing it brings onto these kids is a very rewarding thing.”
The program is run at the Waddi Cultural Centre and has been facilitated by NSW Police ACLO Damian Thorne and Department of Education ACLO Matt Daniels. So, on top of learning an ancient skill passed down through generations, the students have also had the opportunity to network with important members of the Aboriginal community.
The students will continue to work on their paintings at home to exhibit their works in the coming months. Well done to our artists and a huge thank you to all of the groups that made this program possible.
