Subtext: Art for Literacy is an intensive art project that merges arts with oral and written literacy approaches to provide a powerful means for young people from refugee, migrant, First Nations and other marginalised backgrounds to express the complex, diverse aspects of their pasts, presents and futures.
Engagement with the arts has proven social and cognitive value, and can play a role in connecting individuals to community and giving them a voice.
Subtext: Art for Literacy provides youth with inspiring and talented professional arts mentors, who provide safe and inclusive spaces in which students are able to explore new, creative ways to express their experiences and ideas.
In recognising the enormous power to connect to people and our own internal voice through written language and the arts, ALNF encourages students to use any language and art form, without restrictions or censorship, to express themselves and tell their stories.
This artistic process becomes a way to facilitate conversations, communication skills, language development, reflective practice and literacy. Students make new connections, communicate their stories, and find their voices – impacting positively on their sense of belonging and confidence.
“I liked thinking about my future. I showed it how I want it to be. I liked using music and art to tell my story.”
Subtext Participant, Yasameen Al-Manhal
