The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) will invite students to use code with a view to animate its famous Picasso beginning in term four this year.
NGV’s Digital Creatives initiative, developed in partnership with Telstra, combines the gallery’s art collection with digital technology in offering students alternative ways of understanding and engaging with art.
As part of the Digital Creatives offering, Art/Code/Create workshops will be held at the NGV’s education studios and gallery spaces, making use of the gallery’s consultation with non-profit organisation, Code Club Australia and Scratch – a program that teaches students the foundations of coding.
“Artists have used materials and tools in innovative ways to make art throughout history. Contemporary artists working today use a variety of technologies to create artworks, including virtual reality technology, 3D printing and robotics,” said Tony Ellwood, NGV’s Director.
“NGV Digital Creatives introduces students to computer code and digital technologies and prepares the next generation of Australian artists with new art making materials,” he said.
The initiative also offers a full-day coding workshop for teachers in order to help them build confidence in this area, which the NGV says is a part of its commitment to supporting the development of digital literacy in children.
Code Club Australia’s General Manager, Kelly Tagalan commented on the natural link between coding and art.
“Coding is the language of the 21st Century – and is increasingly becoming the canvas of artists around the world. Code Club is proud to have supported the development of NGV’s inaugural coding workshops, which will empower students through both art and technology,” Ms Tagalan said.
The NGV has a long history in offering interdisciplinary education programs, with NGV Education first established in 1950.
