Igniting the artistic spark

Since it opened its doors in 2009 Belconnen Arts Centre has aimed to fuel a love of and engagement with the arts among its increasingly diverse community.
The IGNITE Alternative Arts Academy established in 2015 is a program that puts inclusion front and centre. IGNITE aims to attract and engage people with physical and psychosocial disability, who often experience barriers and challenges in accessing the arts. Whether participants are pursuing art as a hobby or a professional career, people with all levels of experience are encouraged to get involved.
For participants Jenelle and Tahlia, the program has opened doors to the arts community, introduced them to new skills, and created an environment for forming friendships. Jenelle began the program three years ago, after a marriage marked by domestic violence ended in divorce and after a serious bout of depression.
âIn that first class we had to make this huge picture of a sunflower using pastels, which Iâd never used before and IÂ was just blown away.â
Making art at IGNITE has had a powerful therapeutic effect on Jenelle and sheâs seen big changes in herself. âI had a problem with hoarding and Iâm slowly getting on top of it. Through the course I learnt a lot about myself and Iâm getting better now.â
Like all participants, Jenelle has developed a personal learning plan tailored to her needs and interests with program officer Amie who supports and encourages participants in pursuit of their learning goals throughout the program.
Whether itâs painting, sculpture, glasswork or printmaking, Jenelle has had a chance to try her hand in a range of artforms offered by practising artists at a range of arts organisations in the ACT. âWe learn so much from the tutors here. I love that theyâve done the hard work. Theyâre the masters.
âWhen youâre making art you become so absorbed in it, it is like a meditative state. You canât do the times tables in your head, you canât be thinking about a problem. Itâs very relaxing for the mind. Iâve come through depression, trauma, obsessiveâcompulsive disorder â everything. Making art seems to keep me sane.’
âYou feel like youâre part of an arts community and thatâs wonderful. I have hearing impairment issues but I find the space here is very comfortable for me. I feel at home,â Jenelle.
âI donât just want to be in my own space in my sunroom working as an artist. I need the social side of being with others and learning from experienced people.â
Jenelle is inspired to show others that art can be a pathway to recovery. âIâd like to give back and help other people whoâve come through terrible situations like mine. âI remember when I started my self-esteem was lower than the ground. Now my confidence has soared because I am so willing to have a go, to experiment. You donât know how itâs going to work out so you have to not be afraid to try things out, to break the rules. Thatâs what I love about art you can always break the rules.
âI actually now say I am an artist, I am creating art all the time. And I feel at home calling myself that. The title makes me feel good. It took art for me to find myself.â
Tahlia, 22 has been involved with IGNITE for 2 years. The IGNITE program seemed perfect for me because I have mental health issues. âThroughout school I loved art but I felt like I lost a lot of myself in not pursuing it. It felt like something was missing.â
Tahlia has found what she was looking for but it is still challenging. âOne thing I struggle with a lot is independence and going to unfamiliar places and interacting with new people. It was nerve wracking when I started and it is still very difficult for me. Having a new teacher is very daunting for me, especially with small classes and where thereâs lots of one-on-one interaction.
âBut doing the program â apart from what Iâm learning about art â has built the fundamental skills I was lacking so itâs been very important that way.
âWhen I look at some of the people around me making amazing wonderful creations it really inspires me. I think if that person can do it so can I.
âThe entire group is absolutely incredible. Itâs a really positive and supportive group and the teachers will always check in on you. If you have one of those times where you say âmy workâs no good, itâll never be any goodâ, the teachers will take time out and help you through it. The teachers are absolutely wonderful.
âBeing part of IGNITE has done wonders for my mental health. Itâs very therapeutic. Itâs confidence building, and it provides a new support network because the arts community is very tight knit and people will get in touch with you and say âhey hereâs an opportunity that would be great for youâ.
âI am often surprised at how nice everyone is. Iâm not used to people messaging me out of classes asking how I am, worrying about me or just checking in. Itâs a really lovely thing because it makes you feel you belong and gives you a sense of community.
âCurrently Iâm studying a Certificate IV at Canberra Institute of Technology in Visual Arts and from there Iâm hoping to get into ANU to study fine arts. Art plays a big part in my life.
âWhat Iâve learned about myself from being part of IGNITE is that Iâm more capable than I thought I was. Itâs a good feeling to know Iâm better than I thought. Itâs scary too because it involves setting higher standards for myself. But itâs great to know I can make progress and get closer to where I want to be.
‘Right now I just want to focus on what will make me a better version of myself.â
âI feel itâs so important to have a supportive network of people in your life. Iâve got more confidence, more independence. I feel a greater sense of inclusion and wellbeing,â Tahlia, 22.
See the full issue of Quest 2, 2017