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…