Three Victoria Polytechnic creative arts alumni are featured in the West Projections Festival program for 2017.
Daborah Agok, Hana Hadzic and Tyrone Tauiliili from the Certificate IV in Screen and Media are among 26 individual artists and artist groups selected to participate in the annual after-dark projection festival.
Supported by Victoria Polytechnic, VU and Maribyrnong City Council, the West Projections Festival illuminates 28 unique public spaces around Footscray between 11-27 August.
The program includes eight free hour-long guided walks to the projection sites with artist talks and performances. Alumna Hana used the 2017 theme - Synthesis - to celebrate commonalities rather than differences between communities.
My video projection work is inspired by my story of immigration and re-settlement in a new country. Through video I aimed to highlight the connectedness between different cultures that share the common space.
As part of their video and sound studies, Victoria Polytechnic students in the Certificate IV in Screen and Media are given the West Projections Festival brief and tasked with creating and submitting an artwork for the program.
“The students go through the same submission process as other artists, to enter the festival. This process also applies to many other situations where entry is via application. They learn the full process: responding to the festival brief, conception of an idea, planning and executing the work, installing the work and discussing their work,”said teacher Greg Giannis.
Participation in industry projects like the West Projections Festival develops students’ briefing and submission skills and helps to build their portfolio of professional work.
The experience of the whole process has definitely helped me gain new skills, as well as a new perspective and confidence. I am more open to putting my work out there, reflects Hana.
Victoria Polytechnic offers courses in a range of creative industries including professional writing, visual arts, graphic design, library services and music industry. Our students have opportunities to collaborate with organisations like the City of Maribyrnong on projects and events including the Williamstown Literary Festival, Due West Festival and Open Studios in the West.
The West Projections Festival runs until 27 August 2017.
Images: The West Projections Festival