Activity: A Creative Competition
Setting the scene
All cultures create objects and emblems whose purpose is to commemorate historical events, people or ideas that have meaning and value for the community at large. Commemorative works such as memorials are a physical expression of unity and beliefs within a community.
As permanent objects, their strength resides in the fact that they will remain a lasting physical feature to be acknowledged by future generations.
What to do
- Become familiar with the National Police Memorial located in the national capital.
- Create a 1000-word competition brief for a memorial commemorating your school.
Include in your competition brief the following:
- The location of the memorial (supply photographs or drawings of the proposed site). Explain why you chose the site in relation to the school and its surrounds.
- Commemorative purpose. What key messages do you want the memorial to convey?
- Specific design requirements. Are there any size or height limitations? What durable materials will it be made of?
- Background information, including a history of your school and why it requires a memorial.
- Environmental impact. Can the site for the memorial be altered dramatically or does the memorial need to be sensitive to the surrounding landscape?
- Guidelines for disabled access.
Be creative
Produce a one-page media release to promote your competition. Use words and images that will encourage national media coverage.
Dedication ceremony for the National Police Memorial, Kings Park, Canberra, 29 September 2006.
