There was a buzz at our Magid Campus on Wednesday as Year 9 students put on ‘Artivism’, a showcase of performances celebrating the link between art and change that raised money for the Cancer Council. 

Throughout Term 2, Year 9 students explored justice, governance, and the many ways people drive change. Students worked in groups to produce creative responses to contemporary issues. These included: exploring ‘off-grid’ living through making a documentary about a self-sufficient family in Daylesford; working with renowned cartoonist Badiucao to create political posters; writing slam poetry with Ren Alessandra; creating allergy inclusive recipes with Beck Smith; looking at inclusivity through nature photography with Jade Karp; creating a dance response to the pressures women face today with Charli Cantoni-Bud (Class of 2023); composing and playing music that addresses loneliness; and designing and painting a vibrant mural for the School’s outdoor kitchen with the artist Angharad Neal Williams.

Artivism showcased the end results of the students’ creativity, with an exhibition of political posters and photography, the premiere of the documentary and dance work, a slam poetry performance, and delicious food made by students. The audience heard from King David parent and Community Giver Manager Renee Gafni about the important work of the Cancer Council, and how it has given more than $130 million towards cancer research in the last five years. The evening was punctuated by performances by Year 9 musicians playing songs about friendship and support.

Kol HaKavod Year 9 students for this excellent showcase! Thank you to Gordon Dorin and Brad Smith for their oversight of this excellent program.