Over 1500 students from around Victoria, some as far as 300 kilometers from Bendigo, have already visited The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece since it opened a month ago.
Many have taken advantage of a generous new travel and education grant awarded Bendigo Art Gallery by Gandel Foundation, which assists students disadvantaged by distance or economic factors with travel costs.
“The Gandel grant offers a wonderful opportunity for students across the state to see these incredible artworks,” said Karen Quinlan, Director of the Bendigo Art Gallery. “We’re delighted so many have already taken advantage of this generous opportunity.
“The grant has also helped fund the production of exhibition-specific education materials. As a result, our education team have devised an innovative, curriculum-focused program that investigates the story of ancient Greek and Roman culture as depicted in the artworks. It’s a really rewarding gallery-led educational experience for students at all levels.”
The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece features more than 100 treasures from the British Museum’s world famous Greek and Roman collection, and is a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of the human form seen through Ancient Greek eyes.
Visitors can view a diverse selection of key artworks never seen before in Australia, including iconic marble and bronze sculptures, terracotta vases and jewellery.
All school visits to the Gallery and exhibition are tailored to meet the individual year levels of the students based on new AusVELS curriculum and aim to address standards from The Arts, History and Health and Physical Education and VCE Study Designs such as Classical Studies, Studio Arts, Art and English.
“There’s still time for schools to take advantage of this incredible opportunity, and we urge them to do so. It’s certainly not everyday priceless Greek and Roman antiquities such as the iconic Discobolus statue, can be seen in Victoria,” she said.
“It is very inspiring to realise that already some fifteen hundred students from all over Victoria had an opportunity to experience this truly unique exhibition. Their gallery visit is further strengthened thanks to the wonderful and audience-tailored program developed by the education team from the Bendigo Art Gallery. The trustees of Gandel Foundation couldn’t be happier with the results so far, and they hope many more will take up the opportunity to take part in the education program,” added Vedran Drakulic, CEO of Gandel Foundation.
The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece is on until 9 November, 2014.
Education information: Bendigoartgallery.com.au; 03 5434 6088
Katrina Hall, Publicity/Communications, 0421153046 kathall@ozemail.com.au