Bridgette Minuzzo, mosaic stepping stones workshop artist reflects...

I have been working as a freelance artist for 10 years now, working on public art commissions and community art projects. My role on this project was to coordinate and run the workshops, order and purchase all materials and teach mosaic techniques. Karen Tenni, the facilitator and I worked as a team. I live about 10 minutes from the Parks Community Centre.

As a tutor I encouraged people to develop ideas, draft them and create their image in mosaic. At the time of this project my children were 3 and 5, so I felt an affinity with the young mothers group. I know the value of having an hour away from the children, to connect with friends and have some "adult time". I also felt an affinity with the group of senior citizens, who had consolidated their friendship through a love of mosaic (it's hard to down tools sometimes!). This group had been meeting each week for a year of their own volition. They were keen to join the project to learn new skills.

The theme of the artwork was "little treasures". The mosaic pavers would be discovered in the footpath by locals walking by. I asked participants to make an image that had meaning to them, a memory from childhood or something experienced with their children. People were encouraged to work together, which strengthened friendships and connections between individuals and the two very different groups participating. People shared stories, memories, we talked about where we all grew up (surprising how far afield our Parks locals came from!). We talked about health, children, pregnancy, birth and a new grandchild in the seniors' group. The value of the project was the friendships and support within the group as well as the common goal of making art for our local area, "The Parks".

Hayley Quist, Parks Children's House - reflects...

I worked as Coordinator of the Parks Children’s House from Dec January 2004-April 2007.
Parks Children’s House is a collaborative service, comprising agencies and services from the health and education sector, together providing support and programmes for early child development and parenting. Our key outcome areas include supporting community participation and increasing responsiveness to our communities.

The local Parks community has embraced opportunities to be involved with the House, beginning from the early development phase of our service when parents and carers formed a committee to help design the children’s outdoor play areas.

This group of parents paved the way to growing community participation and decision making within the House, becoming the self-titled Children’s House Creative Network. They have met weekly since mid-2005 to co-plan and develop a number of grant-funded community arts projects, and be a voice for development of the Children’s House physical spaces.

The most recent of these projects has been the mosaic stepping stones with artist Bridgette Minuzzo, as part of the collaborative local walking trail project. Leading up to and throughout this project, it has been both heart warming and satisfying to see the growth and development of the individuals participating, as well as their creative abilities. This project, and those before it, were important because they connected families in the area, which reduced isolation and increased their ability to access social support and resources, and connect with a broader range of services in their local area. With support from Karen as facilitator, parents participated in planning and development of the projects, and learnt fantastic skills such as how to participate in and lead meetings, prioritise and manage their time, team build, negotiate and make decisions. All of these skills are transferable to their everyday life, and by developing these skills, parents’ self-esteem and confidence grew.

The development of their unrestricted creativity also shone through. Although many of these people experience chaotic and challenging lives, they consistently arrived week after week, to engage in the enjoyable, relaxing experience of developing artwork. Confidence in their artistic abilities also grew over time as they became bolder with their designs, and clearer about the direction they wanted their artwork to take. They produced some striking, commendable artwork of a high standard, and we often receive comments from those who have joined the Children’s House in more recent times, who can’t believe the art was created by mums and dads just like themselves!

Even more pleasing, a number of the Creative Network parents linked in to a peer support training course offered by the Parks Children’s House during late 2006, and many have since gone on to seek employment and/or further training.

Hayley Quist
Parks Children’s House

photographic seats - image inspiration and development

Creating two significant pieces of art reflecting three years of an arts based community project and the history of a community was a challenging task. Since I had been involved with the Parks Helix Project from the beginning, I was aware of all of the wonderful outcomes and art developed over time. The final photographs needed to tell a story, yet be open enough to allow viewers to create their own story. Yet, the intention wasn't for the work to be just a collection of images, but two new exciting works of photographic art.



There was the history of the Parks area to consider - memories of locals of when there were dairy farms and every backyard had chickens. The image of knitting acts as a visual reminder of the knitting project with Port Adelaide Enfield council, and also stands as a metaphor for a tightly knit community. The drawings by children are a portrayal of being a child in the Parks, and photographs of stobie poles painted by the local children act as a reminder of Ridley Grove School's ongoing project. A toy dog acts a symbol of family pets written about in the Port Adelaide Enfield's council letter writing project between school children and senior residents of the RSL villas. New and old houses illustrate the changes in housing over time. The word 'story' was written in the Parks Health Servicebig book during the digital stories film project and stands for the personal story every resident has about the area. The final photographic images are a form of memory map of the area, symbolized by the underlying layer, a piece of my work about the transience of memory.



Various elements were combined in different configurations - some appearing then disappearing -until the final art pieces each worked singly, and together, to tell a story about the Parks Helix Project and the local community.

mosaic stepping stones outcomes

The mosaic stepping stone project had some wonderful outcomes - 23 individuals participated in workshops, with each session averaging a core group of 10 community members. The group included members of the Parks Childrens House Creative Network - young mothers supported by Parenting Network - and the Parks Mosaic Group - mature community members who became a self managed group after a previous City of Port Adelaide Enfield stage of the Parks Helix Project.

After 10 workshop sessions with talented mosaic artist Bridgette Minuzzo, 16 mosaic stepping stones were completed and installed into the footpath around the Parks Community centre, along Cowan and Trafford Sts, Angle Park, South Australia (see map). Each stepping stone measured 450mm x 450mm, with mosaic designs created from pieces of non-slip floor tiles using the theme of "little discoveries". The group used the theme as a starting point to share stories of experiences that would relate to the area and interesting for those using the walking trail.

mosaic stepping stones evaluation process

The Parks Childrens House Creative Network group includes participants who are new mothers seeking support with their first child - mostly quite young, some with physical or mental health issues, some have partners/some are single, generally low income, maybe housing trust clients, perhaps social or work skills need developing - the changes may be slow but significant. They are all justifiably proud of the art work they have created over the past three years of the Parks Helix Project (photographic pet safety posters, calendars, play area design, marine ply silhouette cut-outs for building façade, mosaic seat and now mosaic stepping stones) and now want their group to continue on a self-managed basis to gain funding and do more art projects.

Part of the evaluation we were asked to do on this project was to identify how the project has fostered health and wellbeing. I used a questionnaire to gather data from the participants and also initiated conversations about the subject. Questions included: What was the best part of the project? What was the worst part of the project? How could the project be improved? How can this group keep going in the future? Would you be a part of it? What difference has this project made in your life? Has this project changed how you think and feel about your future?




I had a conversation with a peer support trainee (previously a participant who I will call N) who was working with our project about how being involved might cause changes in individuals. Over the last 3 years, while N participated in different stages of the Parks Helix Project, I have observed that N's confidence has grown significantly - learning a variety of new arts based skills, participating increasingly confidently in a group situation, has attended training in peer support, is now working in a paid support trainee role - which includes greater responsibilities, and overcoming personal barriers. N's response was that she now feels more creative and confident, and would like to do more arts based projects, which was a fairly typical response. Others expressed pleasure at being part of artmaking, and also enjoyed the walking aspects of the sessions.

I read an article about the Artful Dodgers Studio, and 'dynamic observation approach', using identified indicators to monitor individual progress during participation in the ongoing program. One interesting approach was for the worker to compile a series of 'snap-shots' or observational report every couple of months to track changes in a participant, which then provided a detailed account of each participant's developmental journey. (Artwork magazine, issue 59, Sept 2004, p28-31) This approach resonates with and articulates the approach I used as an artsworker during the Parks Helix Project initiatives.

As this stage was focussed on creating art for a community walking trail, part of every workshop involved walking for at least part of the session. We also took a picnic to the parks a few times, which were enjoyed by the participants and their children.

The 'big books' were the main evaluation and documentation of the initiative…recorded in an A3 artist journal. more on this useful tool soon.

photographic seats initiative intro

There had been an installation of two seats with photographic panels installed into the redeveloped Veterans Memorial Reserve in Nelson St, Angle Park, as part of an earlier project to commemorate Australians' contribution to various conflicts.

These seats were used as a starting point for a commissioned initiative for the Parks Helix Project, overseen by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. I was engaged initially as the project coordinator, then as the artist. The first stage of my role included research and development of the seat design, sourcing manufacturers and obtaining quotes and design specifications for approval by the Parks Helix Project Management Group and the City of Port Adelaide Enfield Public Art Committee. Many ideas were explored before narrowing the options to the final choice. Some of the challenges were budget considerations, time constraints, the requirement for a photographic panel to be part of the seat, desire for a 'classy' design and perceptions about what would be acceptable to the local community.

The concept of placing photographic seats along the walking trail at two specified places on Stuart St and Parker St, provides opportunities to create an artistic reflection on the three years of the Parks Helix project. It is also a chance to share the connections created within the community, while providing a space to sit, relax and rest.

The photographic panels convey a sense of space and place, reflecting on the changes stimulated by the Parks Helix Project. The images draw on existing imagery from project initiatives and incorporate new images inspired by the walking trail, which include elements of mapping.

The seats, photographic panels and concrete slabs all incorporate complementary elements to create one piece of art.

community cultural development

my student experience with the Parks Helix Project inspired me to study further in the field of community cultural development, and i enrolled in the Graduate Diploma course with Community Arts Network of South Australia (CAN SA). my experiences working with the community on this project were positively informed by what i learned while studying - the theory applied in practice.

Community cultural development is a broad field that generally involves creating positive change using the arts as a means of expression. “Community cultural development (ccd) is the essential ingredient for communities to keep the ties between art, culture, health, education and environment together and is the essential ingredient to maintaining human dignity.” (Lewis & Nankivell 2003 p17) We all have the capability for creative expression, in whatever form; everyone should have the opportunity to experience learning new skills in a supportive, non-discriminatory environment; and positive changes come from this experience. All people want to tell stories, share experiences, create connections – be valued as individuals, and useful members of society.

Several studies on the impact of the arts are summarised in the publication ‘Art and Wellbeing’ of which all demonstrate the positive outcomes from community cultural development principles are combined with the community being involved in various art forms as a form of expression. “Community-based creative processes, when embedded into an agency’s policies and strategies, can be very powerful in strengthening the knowledge, engagement, social capital and leadership required to achieve policy objectives” (Mills & Brown 2004 p4).

The common denominators of productive community cultural development can be described by using various indicators of success, from ‘deepening and broadening of their cultural knowledge’ to ‘develop a mutually meaningful, reciprocal and collaborative relationship’. A feeling of satisfaction increased self-esteem and confidence, while becoming ‘co-directors’ of the projects. (Adams & Goldbard. 2001. p67) Building networks is an organic process; constantly growing, changing, sharing, and creating new connections.

Studies indicate that people who are “well-connected” generally are healthier, happier and more productive, the benefits of which are seen on both personal level and also within the broader community; for example, healthy people are less likely to need health and welfare services. Some studies have linked social capital with productivity and economic growth, and even with reducing child abuse. The CCD process could be compared to a tree, with projects as branches coming out from the community resulting in leaves, flowers and ultimately fruit, from which sprouts new plants, and the cycle continues. Funding and government policy should nurture and fertilise the process, enabling new growth on many levels.

Why ‘The Arts’?
“Art is like the underlying soul of the community, whose survival and well being is dependant on the health, environment, education and the culture. Without art, the community doesn’t exist… it keeps the community healthy and happy”(Lewis & Nankivell 2003 p17). There is an artform to suit everyone – from simple to advanced levels; group projects or individual work; 2D or 3D; messy or clean; figurative to abstract; political or personal – the list is endless. The common link between these forms is the desire to creatively communicate a message.

The arts are an ‘instrumental’ tool for education, raising awareness, building self-confidence, enhancing skills, self-expression, and creating positive connections, yet can as well play a ‘transformational’ role in changing attitudes and policies. Even when the same artists use the same project concept – if the community is different, then the feel, outcome and even process will differ. “Artists are catalysts: that is what they do. If artists are anything at all, they are the agents of change. They change the way we see, the way we hear, the way we feel, the way we imagine, the way we discriminate.” (Battersby 2005 p10 online)

Using a broad theme for a project allows many different views and forms of expression to be used, while still creating a feeling of community. The Parks Helix Project theme of ‘Safety’ was chosen as a link between the partner initiatives; to counteract the usual negative media coverage of the area by highlighting the positives; and to challenge any fear of the unknown redevelopment may cause to long-term residents.

References
Adams, Don & Goldbard, Arlene. 2001. Creative Community: The Art of Cultural Development. The Rockefeller Foundation, New York
Battersby, Dr Jean. 2005. Innovation in the Arts. transcript from “The Imagination and the Audience: commissioning for creativity”. Alfred Deakin Innovation Lecture Series, Melbourne. 7 May, accessed online. http://www.deakinlectures.com.au/pdf/battersby_j.pdf
Lewis, Tom E. & Nankivell, Jayne. 2003. ‘Slow Tucker Long Yarn’. Artwork Magazine, CANSA. Issue 57 – December. p17.
Mills, Deborah & Brown, Paul. 2004. Art and Wellbeing: a guide to the connections between Community Cultural Development and Health, Ecologically Sustainable Development, Public Housing and Place, Rural Revitalisation, Community Strengthening, Active Citizenship, Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity. Australia Council for the Arts, Sydney. p4.

a little about my background with the Parks Helix Project

I graduated with a visual arts degree from UniSA School of Art in 2004, majoring in photography. Part of my chosen study path during this time included two Internship Program student placements at the Parks Community Centre to explore the arts in the community, in addition to the fine arts focus. Firstly, I shadowed Matthew Ives, then arts officer for the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. At that time, he was developing the concept of what was to become the Parks Helix Project with state funding body Arts SA. I was able to observe the process of inviting diverse organisations to become part of an arts based community cultural development activity, a new experience for some of the partner organisations.

The following year (Honours), I chose to further develop my experience in community arts by being placed with one of the Parks Helix Project partner organisations - Parenting Network. Mentored by Suzanne Laslett (an outstanding photographic artist), we worked with a young mothers group called CCC which met every Thursday. Photography was chosen as the medium to express the concept of pets and children and safety. During a series of workshops, we explored photographic techniques using disposable film cameras, which participants could take home with them. Once the images were developed, the group chose the one of their images which shared a message of pets and safety -then we discussed possible captions. The photographs were scanned, captions added and five posters were printed.



These posters were exhibited as part of the Pathways & Connections display at Axis Gallery in April 2005, along with images of outcomes created by the other six project partners. They are now on display in the Parks Childrens House, which accommodates the Parenting Network organisation along with other child focused services.

I was privileged to work with a group of wonderful women (formed from the first stage of the Parks Helix Project) on several initiatives during the 3 years of the project. The mosaic stepping stones was the focus for the final stage created by this group, and are part of the Walking Connection walking trail. More to follow on this initiative soon…