Reflecting on the prolonged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for resilience in school communities has never been greater. How can art help students and teachers to develop resilience? How can it enhance reflection and lead to an improved sense of self-knowing? This practical full-day program models ways that art can foster resilience and contribute to well-being and personal development. Led by visual arts teacher and art therapist Kerry Kaskamanidis with NGV Educators, this program includes experiential learning and studio-based exercises that help cultivate a non-judgmental atmosphere of safety and trust when articulating personal responses to works of art.

Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Please indicate any dietary requirements or restrictions upon booking.

Learning Objectives

• Identify, discuss and interpret themes and ideas of resilience evident in works of art and design within the NGV Collection
• Develop strategies to facilitate art-based learning opportunities that encourage students to demonstrate an awareness of their personal qualities and the factors that contribute to resilience
• Discuss and share approaches to planning engaging activities that support learning in the Personal and Social Capability Curriculum
• Practice and apply techniques for generating discussions that value multiple perspectives, encourage depth of engagement and prompt reflection in the classroom

Kerry Kaskamanidis

B.A (Fine Art), Grad. Dip. Ed., Grad. Dip. (Creative Arts Therapy), MA (Creative Arts Therapy)

Kerry Kaskamanidis has worked in the arts sector as an arts educator in primary, secondary and tertiary settings, and as an art therapist in private practice and community health contexts. She has enjoyed a partnership with Heide MOMA and is VTS trained.

Kaskamanidis taught at MIECAT (Melbourne Institute of Experiential and Creative Arts Therapy) teaching experiential and creative arts inquiry practices and believes art can be a way for people to find meaning in their own and others’ lives. She is passionate about the arts and all they have to offer about understanding and exploring our shared humanity.