Summer arts for all ages

Summer Shorts is a new creative initiative led by the Busselton City Council delivering summer school classes in ceramics, drawing, scriptwriting, dance and public art tours.

The series of one-hour classes held at the ArtGeo Cultural Complex on Queen Street runs for a week beginning on Sunday, January 13.

City of Busselton cultural development officer Jacquie Happ said the initiative allowed people of all ages access to local professional artists in different media forms.

“The arts community have worked with us to produce these workshops to develop a similar summer school initiative to Bunbury’s Stirling Street Arts Centre,” Ms Happ said.

“It’s a pilot program so if it works we’ll be very happy; we’ve got a good range of activities for children and adults,” she said.

Dancing instructor Renee Webse said her class focused on physical awareness with an element of drama.

“It’s accessible to everyone and it’s also about connecting with others in the community and interacting,” she said.

“It will be a real mix for all ages and abilities including some meditative and handheld circle dancing.

“There’s a bit of magic when you dance together.”

An art therapist, Ms Webse said she used a lot of movement and music to help those with mental health issues.

According to the National Rural Health Alliance older people in rural and remote areas are more likely to be living with a chronic condition, chronic pain or disability.

They are also more likely to experience challenges around mobility and social isolation.

“A lot of people say it puts them out of their comfort zone but they really enjoy it and get a sense of accomplishment,” Ms Webse said. “Movement and dance really teaches you about your posture and non-verbal communication and that sense of touch and involvement can really help people who may be struggling.”

For more information about Summer Shorts inquire in person at the ArtGeo Gallery or call to book on 9751 4651.