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163 The Learning Place is
an eLearning initiative by
Education Queensland that
promotes online learning
and communication tools
for staff and students,
such as virtual project
rooms and playgrounds,
synchronous chats, threaded
discussions, voice and data
conferencing—see
http://education.qld.gov.au/
learningplace.
164 Seear (2009:32)
165 Seear (2009:33)
166 Seear (2009:33)
Growing future Innovators: a scoping study
Institutions make strong efforts to
develop access and communication
strategies that ensure these venues,
programs and artists are easier for
schools and young people to engage.
In cases where travel was too expensive
or time consuming, The IDEAS Festival
utilized web technologies through a
partnership with The Learning Place. 163
Midway through the event, Jane O’Hara
said, “there’s been 1500 kids in classrooms
across Queensland in the last two days
talking online to our speakers.”
Revealing another approach, Lyn Seear,
Deputy Director, Curatorial and Collection
Development, Queensland Art Gallery
says, “One of the most important tools
we use in providing our children’s
programming, in all its diversity, is
language.” 164 Elaborating on their extensive
use of interpretive language and signage
for younger audiences she states:
In these programs, a specialist language
about art and artists, developed just
for kids, their parents, teachers and
carers, is a frontline tool, every bit as
important as display methods or other
interactive strategies. We use this language
everywhere—in labels and didactics, in
activity booklets, information sheets,
timelines, on our website, in floor talks and
during workshop activities. 165
At the heart of this strategy, notes Seear, is
the use of story: “we reach out to them with
a narrative about every work.” 166 In much
the same way, contemporary art institutions
at large are introducing young people
and schools to stories of innovation and
innovators, through direct engagement with
artworks and artists.