Piecing it Together is an intergenerational street art project that brings younger and older people together to learn about, design, and create street art. The project challenges stereotypes about being younger and becoming older to reduce ageism, and promote respect and understanding in our communities.
We are very excited to be bringing Piecing it Together to Glenorchy. We have Council support if we can raise enough money, and a site in mind. We look forward to sharing more about the project when we can confirm all the details.
Glenorchy 2021 will be the third Piecing it Together project by COTA Tasmania. In 2018, the first Piecing it Together was completed in North Hobart with a mural spray painted using one-layer stencils in Ryde Street that reflected the sporting and cultural history of the area.
The second Piecing it Together project was run in Clarence in 2020 where participants spray painted planter boxes and an air vent at Eastlands shopping centre using multi-layer stencils and tape stencilling techniques. The piece shows birds leaving the safety of their nests to step into the unknown and “taking a risk” to take flight, a theme identified by all participants as important throughout their own lives.
What happens during Piecing it Together?
The 2021 Piecing it Together project in Glenorchy may be a little different to previous projects as we have developed and improved. We will be flexible to best support people, businesses and schools to be part of Piecing it Together 2021. This may include:
- Changing the time and days that the project runs so students can participate after school
- Recruiting a second, local artist so more people participate
- Using different street art techniques
To give you an idea about what to expect, the 2018 and 2020 Piecing it Together projects recruited a total of 10 to 12 younger and older participants. Participants committed to attending six days over two weeks for the project. This included a workshop and on-site painting.
We have been incredibly lucky to work with Tasmanian artist and muralist, Jamin, who has worked across Tasmania (including at MONA) and internationally. His easy-going, friendly and supportive nature has really helped our past participants contribute and learn to their best. You can find out more about Jamin and his art here: http://www.jamin.com.au/.
The first week of the project was a three-day workshop in which participants were led by Jamin to learn about street art and discuss ideas for the piece that would incorporate local sense of place and their own life experiences, ideas and skills. Once the theme was identified, participants prepared and cut their stencils.
The site was painted during three days in the second week of the project. Participants learned spray paint technique, how to use masking tape as a stencil, and to apply their layered bird stencils, working together to complete the piece. Even as painting occurred, participants continued to develop the design of piece with Jamin, putting their newly developed skills to the test.
Why should I support Piecing it Together?
By supporting Piecing it Together, you can support people in your community to come together and create a space that everyone can enjoy. This is a great opportunity to reconnect with our communities and celebrate as COVID-19 restrictions lift.
By bringing younger and older people together to better understand one another, Piecing it Together challenges negative stereotypes and encourages community connection. Previous participants enjoyed working with and learning from people of different ages and were pleasantly surprised by how well everyone worked together, contributed to discussion, and had similar ideas and experiences. They also developed individual skills in art and communicating.
People who walked past as we painted saw younger and older people working together and could challenge their own assumptions and expectations about younger and older people.
Piecing it Together also turns a dull community space into a space that all community can enjoy. This encourages people to enjoy and interact in the outdoor space, and creates a sense of community.
How can I support Piecing it Together?
You can support Piecing it Together in a few different ways, including:
- Donating to this crowdfunding campaign. All the money raised in this campaign will go towards the project and be used to fund things like our artists, project management and administration, paint and safety supplies, safety assessments, marketing and morning tea for participants. You can find out more about what funds raised go towards in this campaign’s Use of Funds section below.
- Offer services to support the project. There’s a lot that goes into the Piecing it Together project and any services like meals, equipment, products or marketing go a long way to help the project go ahead.
- Share this campaign with your community, friends and family. Letting others know about this campaign not only means that we can get more support to run Piecing it Together, but can also help us find participants to be part of the project.
- Leave a word of encouragement. We know that a lot of people are doing it tough at the moment. Instead of donating money, you can donate a word of encouragement that will mean a lot to us.
Who is COTA Tasmania?
COTA Tasmania (Council on the Ageing) is a small, not-for-profit organisation that stands up for the rights and values of Tasmanians as we age. We promote a positive view of ageing and challenge age stereotypes, enable inclusion and participation, and support independence and choice.
We have a strong history of positive working relationships with local and state government, and other Tasmanian organisations to produce real outcomes that support older Tasmanians to stay valued, informed, engaged and safe. Just some of the areas that we work in include:
- Advocating for Tasmanians as we age to government and organisations
- Raising awareness of elder abuse and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
- Informing government policy
- Consulting with older Tasmanians to identify issues and concerns
- Delivering a broad range of free and practical Peer Education sessions
- Supporting older Tasmanians and their families to navigate the aged care system
- Promoting active ageing and liveable communities
- Delivering the annual Seniors Week
- Raising awareness of and challenging ageism
- Improving health outcomes and fitness of older Tasmanians through Strength for Life
- Providing an online webpage for people to find local activities and events
- Researching and reporting on issues that impact older Tasmanians
Piecing it Together is an exciting project that helps us in our fight to reduce ageism in Tasmania and support our community.
For more information about COTA Tasmania, visit www.cotatas.org.au.
