modest accomplishment is an end in itself and a value worth encouraging
"A healthy artistic climate does not depend solely on the work of a handful of supremely gifted individuals. It demands the cultivation of talent and ability at all levels. It demands that run-of-the-mill work, esoteric and unpopular work should be given a chance: not so much in the hope that genius may one day spring from it . . . modest accomplishment is an end in itself and a value worth encouraging. The pursuit of excellence is a proper goal, but it is not the race itself." Gough Whitlam 1973
Germaine Greer chose these words as an introduction to her book The Obstacle Race, a history of women artists. The term "obstacle race" seems equally fitting when applied to ageing and disability.
Accepting the challenge of life-changes as a stimulus for action is an apt description of positive ageing. Art not only develops problem-solving skills needed to adapt to ageing or coping with a disability, but also provides a unique opportunity to explore personal problems, to gain personal understanding, to present your unique perception of life, and through that process to share that perception with others.
All people have a right to participate in defining their culture through the making of art. Working for communal purpose ensures inclusion as a member of a community while providing opportunities to participate in decision making and to assume responsibility for part of a team effort. Community art projects provide genuine opportunities for intergenerational activity, for all levels of ability and for learning and sharing skills.
Bright Sparks
Remembering mother, daughter and friends in 1992
Some of the "Bright Sparks" later formed the core group of Senior Momentum |
Organisation
A core group suggests, discusses and decides upon projects for about a year ahead. Each project has a coordinator and a small budget, up to $250 per project. Interested people with the requisite skills for specific projects are invited to become members of that project team. If additional resources are needed members of that team use their networks to obtain what is needed.
Senior Momentum relies on the volunteer ethos, low budgets, use of recycled materials, networking for required resources, skills and in-kind support, encouraging spontaneity while allowing flexibility and reducing stress (facts to be carefully considered!).
Project Selection
Senior Momentum has tackled issues such as social justice, domestic violence, refugees, right to die, positive ageing, health promotion, confronting negative stereotypes, incontinence, skin cancer, chemotherapy and hair loss, and depression as well as participating in topical community events, Bicentenary projects and special exhibitions.
With emphasis on sharing and developing skills, Senior Momentum particularly encourages intergenerational skill sharing through participation by people of all ages and abilities and by many groups with shared interests, multi skilled team projects, inclusion of people with disabilities who have special skills to share. Artists are employed to extend the skills of Senior Momentum, and opportunities have been provided for artists/mature age art school students to acquire experience working as a member of a team.
| 
