Turning the Pages is an Art & Science project celebrating the significance of the Pages River a major tributary of Hunter River, NSW. Its aim is to promote community awareness and appreciation of the geological, biological, historical and cultural importance of the river.
During the first stage of the project, which began in September 2007 in the Upper Hunter Valley in NSW, writers, sound artists, visual artists, scientists, teachers, students along with members of the community came together to conduct integrated arts and natural science workshops. Students from 6 different schools in the Pages River's catchment area learned about the biodiversity of the river and created works of art which were then assembled into a 160 meters long installation - River Quiver - and the convening of River Day in Murrurundi.
The first stage of the project has won praise and awards. It has generated many ideas, some of which have been incorporated in the design of a nature walk "Bridge to Bridge" along the river in the centre of Murrurundi. The nature walk will include among others: interpretive artworks by artists from around the region, local species arboretum, native grasses area, interactive signage for botanical identification, natural science-information kiosks, picnic areas, special children corners, etc.
In each of the project's stages we aim to encourage involvement by both individuals and organizations. Thus, a confluence of workshops is an essential part of the project. Science workshops concentrate on the flora, fauna and geology of the Pages River. Art workshops draw on the scientific information and explore ways of expressing it creatively through painting, drawings, sculpture, design, music, creative writing and poetry.
We hope to gain commitment and resources from residents, groups, organizations and government in order to protect, preserve and maintain the vitality and biodiversity of the river to the ultimate benefit of both the community and the natural environment.
Our partners:
Hunter Councils Inc (Environment Division)
Murrurundi & District Arts Council
Arts Upper Hunter Inc / RADO
Upper Hunter Shire Council
Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Authority
Landcare / Tidy Towns Committee
Upper Hunter WaterKeepers Alliance
Wanaruah LALC (local aboriginal land council)
Public Schools of the District
Jennifer Turpin Studio, Sydney
Our patrons:
Pammie Seccombe
Richard and Michelle Bush
Patrice Newell
Phillip Adams
Michael Reid
Bruce Neill
further links:
http://culturalawards2008.lgsa.org.au/projects/55-turning-the-pages
http://blogs.abc.net.au/nsw/2009/06/turning-the-pag.html?program=upper_hunter_breakfast