July 2002

Art from the heart at Parkville

Several short films made by young women in Parkville Youth Residential Centre were screened as part of the May 2002 Next Wave Festival.

The films were made as part of Not at Home, a national film project involving disadvantaged young people, their families and support networks.

Not at Home is a component of the Big hART Project—an award winning, non-profit organisation re-engaging marginalised people with their communities.

Artists worked with young women on juvenile justice orders in Parkville over a number of months teaching video, music and media production skills.

The artists also mentored the young women to explore their own story and express it through the medium of film, new media or music.

Participation in the project created opportunities to express themselves, leading to improved self-esteem and behaviour change.

The program culminated in a well-attended event at Parkville where the young women’s families were invited to a preview showing of the films in the week before the Next Wave Festival.