Timor Art Exchange

Human Rights action through art

I AM delighted to report on the culmination of a months-long project involving St Norbert College students, the Australian Council of Human Rights Education (ACHRE) and Osso-Huna School in Timor Leste. 

On the 75th Anniversary of the Declaration of the Universal Human Rights, in Term One, I invited students to submit an artwork inspired by any of the 30 Articles. The resulting artworks were then delivered to Osso-Huna School in Timor Leste. 

Dr Lynda Blanchard, who is the president of ACHRE, personally delivered the artworks along with a cache of art materials from funding received from ACHRE.

The Osso-Huna students were delighted by the donation and interest shown by our students in their story and voted for the art they felt best represented a Human Right Article that resonated with them. Amelie Anderson and Grace Waikiri’s works were selected. Both students won a prize of $100 each. 

In the spirit of reciprocity, the Osso-Huna students learned about the Declaration and using the donated materials, produced works of their own to be brought back to Australia. The works are now on display with St Norbert College students invited to read the statements and select their favourites.

A new relationship is being formed between the three of our institutions, which we hope will continue long into the future - perhaps even culminating in an opportunity for staff and students to visit each other at some point.

Ms A Marsh

(Art Teacher)