Arts bring generations together

Arts bring generations together

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Amana Living residents Patricia Edwards and Cecelia Ashcroft with John Wollaston Anglican Community School students Johnathan Jonker, Sophie Lewin and Remy Bennett-Connell. Photograph – Aaron Van Rongen.

Two completely different generations have joined creative forces to take part in a wide variety of visual art, theatre and musical performances over the past two months. 

Year five and six students from John Wollaston Anglican Community School and aged care residents from Amana Living’s Camillo-based facility teamed up with actor, director and musician Mark Storen and multi-disciplinary community artist Jodie Davidson for the 2019 Amana Living Arts Festival. 

Principal Anne Ford said the opportunity to participate in this project had created a special experience for both the students and staff. 

“The relationships that have evolved have been genuinely heartwarming,” she said. 

Manager of enrichment and volunteer services Emily Lees said the sessions were self-paced with participants working together in pairs on different art forms including drawing portraits and creating songs. 

“The project provided a creative outlet for all the residents and it created the foundation of some beautiful friendships,” she said. 

“Intergenerational projects like these are essential for generations to develop a mutual understanding and appreciation of each other.

“The residents would like to continue to see the students so this experience has allowed us to form an ongoing relationship.”