The 2011 Art & Poetry Exhibition, celebrating White Ribbon Day, was opened in Fountain Court, Parliament House NSW, on 30 November to a delighted audience of 160 principals, teachers, students and families of Sydney Region public schools. The exhibition is the culmination of artwork and poetry submitted by over 200 schools in the Sydney Region with the theme: Breaking the Silence: Not Violent, Not Silent.
Dr Phil Lambert, Sydney Region Director, NSW Department of Education, welcomed guests, including those representing the many schools whose art and poetry adorned the walls of the exhibition, focused attention on the relationship of the Exhibition to the White Ribbon Campaign and expressed appreciation for the support of all involved in bringing this exhibition to reality.
Libby Davies, White Ribbon CEO, thanked the schools who were represented in the audience and spoke of the importance of the White Ribbon’s Breaking The Silence School Program as a key prevention activity focused on involving young people in the Campaign. Libby also thanked White Ribbon Foundation Partner, Susanne Grae, for their ongoing support of the Program. Libby’s address was followed by eight powerful and moving poetry readings by selected students.
The exhibition is proudly sponsored by White Ribbon partner Suzanne Grae. Christopher Cosier, People & Development Manager, Suzanne Grae, spoke of their organisational pride in the support of the Program, the staff’s fantastic fundraising achievement for White Ribbon in 2011, which has surpassed the set target and the ongoing commitment to continue to support White Ribbon.
The exhibition can be seen at Fountain Court, Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney until 27 January 2012.
