Schools Art Programs with Kirsty Shadiac

Since 2011, Kirsty Shadiac has been running inspiring Artist in Residence programs in schools, starting with the Basil Sellers Sporting Art Project for Kids. This unique initiative was fully funded by Basil Sellers AM, a generous Sydney-based philanthropist and community supporter.

Kirsty first met Basil by chance when he stopped by one of her kids art classes in Sydney. Impressed by her work, Basil committed to donating prize money for a children’s sporting-themed art competition. After the success of the competition, Basil encouraged Kirsty to expand the project to encourage creativity and develop artistic skills in school children through the theme of sport.

Adelaide, Basil’s hometown, was the perfect place to launch the program. Goodwood Primary School was the first to participate in May 2011, where Kirsty taught a weekly art class to Year 1 and 2 students. At the end of the two-term project, the school proudly displayed a large sporting artwork created by the students.

Following this, Kirsty led another Artist in Residence program at Holy Family Catholic School in Parafield Gardens, South Australia. She worked with 30 students from different classes, helping them create individual artworks to take home, as well as a collaborative piece titled The Tree, which is now permanently displayed at the school.

Since these early programs, Kirsty has delivered many more school projects, bringing creativity and artistic development to children across South Australia.

Please note: Kirsty is currently not running any in-person school programs.

For schools interested in quality art education, Kirsty has developed Artventure.com.au—an online resource aligned with the Australian National Curriculum, ideal for teachers to bring engaging art lessons into classrooms remotely.