Grant for Fremantle Children's Literature Centre

30/8/96

Education Minister Colin Barnett has presented a cheque for $50,000 to the Fremantle Children's Literature Centre to help provide its unique services to school children and teachers in Western Australia.

The centre concentrates on exhibiting the story behind the creation of recently published picture books. The centre displays the published work, along with the drafts, art work, editor's comments and proofs. Usually, four books are exhibited at a time during each school term.

Mr Barnett said that the centre held workshops which encouraged children to work through the processes involved in creating a book, and develop their own creativity in writing, illustration and drama.

The centre's Rural Residencies program also took the exhibits and some of their creators to an increasing number of country centres around WA.

"The centre is an outstanding example of a resource centre that brings children and teachers into direct contact with children's book authors and illustrators and provides a wonderful insight into the processes behind the creation of their published work," Mr Barnett said.

"By seeing all the layers of the creative process normally not accessible, children are inspired to extend their own talents as writers, illustrators and dramatists."

The Minister said the $50,000 enabled WA school children and teachers to access the unique educational services offered by the centre. In addition, the Government also contributed to the centre's rental of the Old Prison Hospital in the Fremantle Prison Complex.

The centre normally provided services to approximately 15,000 children each year and held open days and evenings for the public to view its resources and learn more about its activities.

Media contact: Justine Whittome, (09) 222 9699