CRIME doesn’t pay — but creative people do. That’s the lesson WAVE School students have put into practise this term with various hands-on works showcasing their take on crime prevention.
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The creative exhibition, to be held tomorrow night, features an eclectic mix of woodwork, art, research projects, cooking, audio projects and photography which will be displayed. Some items will be for sale as part of the small business project at the Henna Street school.
There will also be market stalls featuring handmade items, crafts, food and a martial arts display.
WAVE School co-ordinator Damian Farley said some of the students’ work had a clear crime prevention message, focusing on specific crimes and their impacts, while others highlighted alternatives to crime.
He said the 30 students, aged from 15-19, had shown a rare side of themselves and enjoyed being creative, while driving home an important message.
Highlights of the program include working with audio producer Colleen Hughson, sharing their experiences and opinions on crime, and the chance for aspiring musicians to record and edit their vocals and rapping with sound engineer Sid Sprague.
Listening stations will be available on the open night to hear their stories on topics including cyber bullying and domestic violence.
A Department of Justice Community Crime Prevention Initiative grant helped fund the creative arts project at the alternative education school.
“This is a cohort of kids who have probably seen more and experienced more than the average kid, therefore have more to say on a topic like crime prevention.
“Whether it’s their experiences of crime, or their opinions on crime in the community, these are the kids that know. They’re putting themselves out there in some of their work,” Mr Farley said.
Maddie Porter, 15, said painting provided her with another focus.
“When I’m angry I like to paint so I don’t get into trouble, because I’ve been in heaps of trouble in the past. Painting has helped me heaps.”
Lachie Peach, 16, designed and constructed a skull chair which he said reflected his personality. “It’s unusual for me to be creative so for me to be creative in something like this I was stunned.”
Lachie encouraged the public to come along and view the students’ work on tomorrow evening.
“I think people would really enjoy it. It’s lovely, the students and teachers are really nice,” he said.
The open night runs from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
