A new partnership with Mona, the Museum of Old and New Art, is providing Children’s University Tasmania members with an exciting new activity this school holidays.
Peter Underwood Centre director Professor Natalie Brown said Mona had recently signed on as a Public Learning Destination for Children’s University Tasmania, which is now offered in 42 schools across the State.
“We’re delighted that Children’s University members, who number more than 900, can now visit Mona as part of the program,” Professor Brown said.
“Art is an incredible way to engage with ideas – old and new – and Mona offers a fabulous environment in which to learn.”
Children’s University Tasmania helps to develop children into adaptable, lifelong learners and builds bridges to employment and higher education by connecting them to a diverse range of learning experiences outside of school hours.
Each member is issued with a Passport to Learning in which their hours of activity at validated learning destinations are recorded, and once they have reached the required number of hours they graduate from Children’s University.
Professor Brown said Mona was a perfect fit for the program, which was launched in Tasmania in July 2015 through the Peter Underwood Centre, at the University of Tasmania.
Upon arrival at Mona, the children will be given The O. This handheld device allows them to access resources and content about the art labelled ‘O Minor’, which is suitable for all ages.
This information includes artist interviews and essays, songs and poems made by local artists about some of the artworks in the museum.
“The O Minor content is a rich source of learning for Tasmanians of all ages, and I have no doubt it will be enjoyed by the children and the adult members of their families,” Professor Brown said.
Mark Wilsdon, Co-CEO, Mona, said: “Getting on board with Children’s University is a fantastic way for Mona to support the next generation of learners in Tasmania. We love opening Mona up to new audiences and look forward to filling up our young visitors’ Passports to Learning”.
