The Emu has landed!

Su-su arrived in downtown Soweto, he had an enjoyable flight over and in case he got lost, he was lucky enough to have sat next to a South Project Staff member all the way. If you look closely you will be able to find Su-su in the photograph with the South Kids at Mbuyisa Makhubu (new name for Belle Primary School). He arrived a few days before the workshop to check out the lay of the land. He tells us that the kids were very excited about Sara Thorn arriving and that they were in the process of preparing a special welcoming ceremony. He also brought with him the wonderful collection of drawings and sculptures completed by the South Kids in Australia to present to the school kids of Mbuyisa Makhubu.

The first international South Kids workshop was a great success and loads of fun was enjoyed by all, the numbers of students increased from 25 to 60 as everyone wanted to join in the workshop. Sara really enjoyed herself; all the children loved working with her. Some of the younger children dressed into traditional Zulu costumes to perform some interesting dance moves and singing. It seems that dance and song is a natural part of their everyday life.
There will be more details about what the kids created in the next Blog as we are waiting for Sara to return so that she can fill us in on how they responded to the Australian work and how they utilized the materials at hand.

Work shopping with Sara Thorn.

The staff at The South Project wish all of the South Kids a Happy Christmas and Happy New Year for 2008. We hope that you have a great holiday break and look forward to our South Kids program next year.

Artwork designed by Rebecca Jobson

Su-Su Travels to Johannesburg in October 2007

Life for Su-Su is always sooooo busy!!

Su-Su has already packed his suitcase and is about to head off to Johannesburg (in South Africa) for the South Project Gathering. As soon as he arrives, he’ll be getting a taxi straight to Belle Primary School in one of Johannesburg’s suburbs, Soweto.

Johannesburg is a big city, and Su-Su has heard that although it’s pretty loud and busy, there lots of colour, music and dance, and people know how to have a good time! Let’s hope Su-Su doesn’t decide to stay – we want him to come home after the Gathering’s over!!

Aside from meeting all the South Kids in South Africa, Su-Su really wants to meet some of the animals we don’t have in Australia. But he better be careful, because it’s no fun being chased (or eaten) by a rhinoceros or a leopard…

Take care Su-Su and see you when you get back. (Don’t forget to send a postcard)

Clifford Charles and Vicky Shukuroglou create a bridge between the South Kids in Melbourne and Johannesburg



South Kids in Melbourne will remember the workshop Clifford Charles took at ArtPlay back in June. Well, the big news is that Clifford is going to be helping with the South Project Gathering in Johannesburg, including some exciting workshops with the kids at Belle Primary School. But the most exciting part, is that for the very first time, artworks by Melbourne’s South Kids will be traveling overseas, to be included in the South Kids workshop in Soweto!



So what artworks are going on this FIFTEEN HOUR LONG flight to South Africa? Well, three weeks ago, Melbourne artist Vicky Shukuroglou led workshops with the kids from Thornbury Primary School, Abbotsford Primary School, and Pembroke Primary School. The kids created small, easily transportable artworks, using a combination of personal objects (like photos, old toys, and even their own hair!) and a whole range of recycled materials (things like textiles, beads, buttons, wire, and polystyrene). Have a look at some examples:



These artworks will be transported to the kids at the Belle Primary School, Soweto. Once there, the kids will have the chance to rework the artworks from Melbourne, perhaps just using them for inspiration or having them on display in their classroom, or maybe by adding them to their own artworks. They’ll definitely be using their own local materials and items they’ve collected to make a large installation, for a local exhibition. How exciting to think that the final work will include something from both groups of South Kids – it’s as though we’ve actually had the chance to all work together!

Workshopping with Clifford Charles

All the kids thought Clifford was great fun to work with, and he was so full of energy he literally bounced through the room! The theme for his workshops was all about living in cities, and the art that is all around us. Everyone worked together, painting on huge pieces of paper, using paintbrushes and bits of charcoal taped onto long pieces of bamboo.



He also asked all the kids to actually walk on, sit on, or even lie down on their artwork – which sounds a bit weird, but in the end everyone got the idea that sometimes making art means letting go and trying new things. Clifford even said that all the kids were great Abstract Expressionists, so watch out Jackson Pollock!!!

Welcome to our new blogsite!

Dear South Kids and friends,

We've finally opened a blog site so that you can tell us your stories, your activities at school, and we can let you know the latest about what's happening in at South Kids.

We've got some exciting workshops coming up this month, with Clifford Charles, our resident artist from South Africa and we're in the process of planning some fun workshops. I'll keep you posted!!

Just thought I'd send you some classy shots of the workshops with Joo-Young Lee - aren't they great! That workshop was so much fun and I've definitely packed my t-shirt to wear for next summer (don't forget to iron it before you wash it, if you haven't worn your one yet!).
Su-Su is looking forward to seeing you all at the next workshop and he's already packing his suitcase for a short stay at Abbotsford Primary School. Boy does that bird get around!

OK, better run, but don't forget to WATCH THIS SPACE!