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Bluebird Foundation Inc.
2012 Annual Report
Bluebird Foundation Inc. 2012 Annual Report
Bluebird Foundation Inc. is a not-for-profit incorporated association, dedicated to making quality arts programs accessible
for all. Managed by a committee of artists, education specialists and philanthropists, the organisation aims to work with
communities to identify and overcome barriers that prevent children, youth and families from accessing quality arts programs.
It is their dream that every child, youth and adult share in the joy of the Arts.
Vision
Imagine a world where:
•every person is touched by the significance and wonder of the Arts.
•the Arts unite and empower individuals and communities.
•the healing powers of the Arts are recognized.
•access to the Arts is not limited to the lucky few.
Mission
Making quality Arts programs accessible for all.
Values
We value:
•Reaching for the stars
•The journey
•Lasting connections
•The human capacity for emotions
•Asking, listening, understanding
•Creativity
•Sustainability
Welcome
Welcome to the Bluebird Foundation annual report for 2013, our third year of operation. It has been a busy and rewarding year
as we continue to work towards making quality arts programs accessible for all.
Bluebird Foundation presents a great variety of arts projects with a diverse range of participants. We are fortunate to work with
skilled and professional artists.
This year we welcomed new committee member, Kelly Clifford, and acknowledged the departure of Neisha Dunbar-Smider. During this period of transition we conducted a skills audit of the committee and will continue to recruit new members based
on our needs.
Bluebird Foundation continues to enjoy the support of many organisations and individuals and we thank them for their shared
passion and commitment to the arts. We hope you enjoy reading this report for 2012.
Sally Beck
Acting Chair
Bluebird Foundation Inc. 2012 Annual Report
Projects
Rhyme, Rhythm & Song is set against a backdrop of research that supports the use of music, singing, chanting and rhyming
to enhance literacy outcomes. Based on work developed at the Maryborough Education Centre, specialist facilitators worked
with nine classroom teachers and approximately 200 students to develop an appropriate repertoire of songs, chants and
rhymes that were incorporated into the daily classroom routine.
Professional development to enhance the capacity of classroom teachers to use singing, music and rhyming with their
students was an integral part of the program. Participating teachers reported clear benefits resulting from the program
including gains in student confidence, improved phonological awareness and expansion of vocabulary.
Proudly supported by
Students participating in Rhyme, Rhythm & Song were each given a copy of WHATEM 2, a CD of songs composed especially
for primary-school aged children by Geelong artists (a 2011 Bluebird Foundation project). The CDs were distributed directly
to parents to strengthen the home-school connection and encourage families to sing together in the home environment.
Proudly supported by Terminals
Samsara is an ambitious and innovative two-year project. In 2012, world-renowned Australian composer, Paul Jarman,
worked with students from the six campuses of Northern Bay College in Corio and Norlane. Together they embarked on a
comprehensive journey to develop, compose, create and perform a song cycle that tells their individual and collective stories.
The performance phase of Samsara will result in a multi-disciplinary performance outcome of the song cycle. Explorations
of music technology and visual components will come together with live performances to create a unique and innovative
performance in a professional performance space.
Proudly supported by
A collaboration with Barwon Health, Bluebird Arts is a long-term project designed to enrich the lives of Barwon Health
clients and support Barwon Health staff to increase their skills and confidence to incorporate the Arts into their ongoing
programs.
Bush Dance
The Belmont Day Respite clients participated in a series of workshops with the Billy Tea Bush Band. Traditional dances and
modified interpretations were practised in preparation for a Bush Dance where live music, dancing and food were all part
of the celebration.
Mosaic Art
Local mosaic artist, Caroline Hawkins, worked with the Anglesea Day Respite clients to design and create a beautiful mosaic
birdbath featuring clownfish in an underwater scene.
Interior Design
Selena White from Simpatico Interior Design collaborated with the Torquay Day Respite clients to redesign their living space.
Together they considered design concepts and practical issues to transform the room into a peaceful and beautiful space.
Tea Dance
The staff and clients at the Norlane Day Respite program brushed up on their dancing skills with Australian Ballroom Dancing
Champion, Natalie Carr, in a series of dance workshops that culminated in an afternoon Tea Dance.
Carer’s Carnival
A full day of workshops was offered for carers to experience a wide range of arts-based activities. Participants chose from
ring making, writing workshops, dancing, botanical sketching, singing, drumming, wool twining, relaxation with Tibetan
singing bowls and creating a collaborative sculpture.
Proudly supported by
Geelong Blinds
Dabble ‘n’ Dance, a weekly Arts-based group session designed to expose young parents to attachment-based activities,
positive child-focused time and models of positive behaviour management techniques, continued in 2012. The program
combines music and the visual arts in a learn-through-play environment. Sessions include songs, dance, instrumental play
and musical games as well as visual art experiences. Based in the Young Parents Access Program at Northern Bay College,
Dabble ‘n’ Dance provides a learning environment for student-parents and their children that supports family relationships
and effective parenting skills.
Proudly supported by
Bluebird Foundation Inc. 2012 Annual Report
Kinder: ready or not? was designed to help prepare young children from the 3214 postcode for four year old kinder. A
specialist early childhood music educator worked with children, parents and the staff and volunteers at the Northern Bay
Family Centre to incorporate focused group times into the existing Monday playgroup sessions. These musical group times
helped prepare children for four year old kinder, gave parents skills and strategies for home and developed the skills and
capacity of staff and volunteers to incorporate music into the ongoing program.
Proudly supported by
Now in its third year, Masters in the Making once again showcased the work of young artists aged 5 – 18 years enrolled in art
schools in the Geelong region. For the first time, the month-long exhibition at art@wintergarden was also presented online
via the Bluebird Foundation Facebook page where audience members from around the world could vote on their favourite
piece in the People’s Choice award. Masters in the Making 2012 acknowledged the importance of the inspiration and
guidance provided by art teachers and encouraged kids to reach for the stars, with prizes being offered in seven categories,
including a People’s Choice award.
Proudly supported by
Children’s week celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood. It is also a time for children to
demonstrate their talents, skills and abilities.
Wild Moves
Kids with a disability and their siblings were particularly welcomed at these wildly fun dance and drumming workshops. Jacqui Dreessens
from Wild Moves led the groups in an afternoon of music making where every participant was able to take part at their own level.
Proudly supported by
The Mudcakes
The Mudcakes bring a holistic approach to children’s entertainment with songs all about the wonderful ups and downs of family life
in styles ranging from Hawaiian to reggae and garage rock. Preschoolers, parents and grandparents were all actively involved in this
delightful concert held within the Northern Bay College Young Parents Access Program.
Proudly supported by
Northern Bay College Young Parents Access Program
SNAPSHOT
•13 projects delivered
•Over 24 arts practitioners employed
•Approximately 700 clients engaged in projects
Philanthropic
sources of
funding
Local Government
Service Fees
Federal Government
Fundraising
State Government
SUPPORTERS
Terminals
•Eathorne Pavia CPA • Geelong Blinds
Logo image courtesy of Cavallini Papers & Co
2012
Committee
of
Management
Bluebird Foundation Inc. is a not-for-profit incorporated
association governed by a volunteer committee of
management.
Sally Beck (Treasurer)
Kelly Clifford – commenced 29.11.12
Denise Hollingworth
Bronwyn Lawson (Secretary)
Neisha Smider (President) – Jan until 06.08.12
Bluebird Foundation Inc. 2012 Annual Report
www.bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au
Find us on
Bluebird Foundation Inc.
2012 Annual Report