Charlotte Varcoe
RIDDOCH Arts and Culture Centre’s online program has been deemed a success.
Following ongoing Covid-19 difficulties, the centre was forced to retreat its in-house program to online-only, receiving a large amount of support.
Each online workshop reached about 700 people and were viewed by an average of 50 households.
Riddoch programming officer Emma Telford said under the current restrictions, each workshop held at the centre would only be able to accommodate eight to 10 people.
“By reaching into 50 households, which could have multiple children, the workshops do reach a greater capacity online than we could do at the Riddoch,” Ms Telford said.
“While we prefer to be able to do these sessions in person, having them online is still a successful way to deliver creative learning.”
She said those using the online programs also had the flexibility to complete the workshop in their own time and to their own schedules, even finishing it in their pajamas if they wished.
“For the kids we have had a choice of clay fish and sharpie shoes, which had the option to hand craft a clay fish using sea shells for decorations and also create some colourful canvas shoes using sharpies,” Ms Telford said.
“Families have been very thankful that they have been able to receive some guidance on how to keep their children creative during the school holiday period, especially during isolations which are challenging for households.”
The Riddoch also hosted a number online programs aimed at adults, including a live artist talk over the weekend.
The conversation, between staff member Serena Wong and artist Georgia Button, engaged 195 online viewers.
“This is again more people than we would accommodate at an opening,” Ms Telford said.
“There was also a social media take-over by local artist Pippin Ellis, where she demonstrated the behind the scenes aspects of her art practices.
“Both of these elements were really well received with comments and engagement from around the region and nationally.”
While the in-house programming of the centre remains on pause, Ms Telford assured the community the popular facility would continue to offer diverse online content for all ages.
