This past week has been a challenging adventure, New Zealand is a place that from the outset you might asume that there isn’t much differences between here and Scotland. However this is not the case, New Zealand is a county full of nationalities and cultures from various sides of the globe, living on an island together that all breathing the same air, walk the same streets and drive the same roads. Coming from Scotland this is very different some may say back home that we live in a multi cultural society but until you actually see, hear and feel your way around a country that ACTUALLY is you don’t understand the difference. Even though this may not be what my report or my education/outreach package may contain, i must i belive as an artist with a continuing developing practice take on board. I am a scottish female in New Zealand working with adults and children with learning difficulties, living in a hostel with 80 other people such as swedish, Chinese, Japanesse, Dutch, Kiwi’s. Moari’s etc. All of this is influencing my practice making me grow making me open my eyes to the differences and the similarities. Ultimatily allowing my arts practice to grow.
As a creative person I feel the need to see new things in this vast world that we all live, to engage my imagination and broaden my creativity. While working I am reminded that I am in a difference country, culture and society, even from simplke things like walking into a primary school and there classroom, office door and playground free to anyone to walk in and look around. In Scotland this is very different especially after the tragidy in Dumblaine, the schools are shut to the outside eye, locked and security cameras guard the perimiters. The effects of such different approaches must be great on the children whop have the freedom as well as those that dont.
Tomorrow i am giving a 30 minute talk to 150 students at the education faculity in New Zealand about my culture, course and education beliefs to raise debate and discussion with those who are currently like me studying and trying to push and pull our way though understand the world we live and what impact our future careers may have on society.
Then on Tuesday im meeting for coffee with the Education minister, to discuss special education in New Zealand and the resourses that are avaiable to teachers and pupils in mainstream schools dealing with ADHD or Autism.
My weeks are long 10-12 hour days:
MONDAY- 10am in the morning i leave for Paula’s office do work with Paula till four such as planning, funding etc. Then 4 – 6 we are in workshops/rehersals with INTERACTING a group of adults with learning disabilities, who are currently working on a performance for Friday at a very important disability awareness conference. TUESDAY IS PRETTY MUCH THE SAME.
WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY – 8AM leave for Paula’s – 10-3 school – 4-6 Interacting 7-8 get home. Special education school dramahterapy workshops with various class of various physical,mental and behavioural difficulties (Paula’s been leading dramatherapy workshops here for 10 years)
FRIDAY 10-6 Office work and INTERACTING workshops.
Busy Busy!!!
