Territory Wildlife Park artistic/narrative officer Jasmine Jan is in a bit of a bind.

She is overseeing the creation and development of a new artistic display for the Park’s Aquarium.

The new display involves creating a series of large pylons, mimicking the poles of a jetty that have crocheted and knitted coral reef elements ‘growing’ on them.

The aim of this new feature is to raise awareness of the fragility of our coral reef systems and what causes coral bleaching and die-back in reefs but there’s just one small problem.

Jasmine doesn’t know how to crochet or knit so the Park is seeking help from crafters young and old to help with creating the coral reef elements for the three big pylons.

This challenging project will require thousands of coral reef elements to be crocheted and knitted.

Jasmine has researched and collected reference material for the different patterns and designs that could be used to depict the various coral elements.

She has created extensive colour charts to reflect the varying hues of different corals and she’s even got boxes of coloured wool ready….now she needs a big helping hand from the community to get this completed in time for a special unveiling event next year to commemorate National Threatened Species Day.

“The Territory Wildlife Park is seeking help from individuals, craft groups, arts & crafts organisations and schools,” Ms Jan said.

“We have already received a $250 gift card from Spotlight to go towards the purchase of yarn, which is greatly appreciated.

“If you can crochet, knit or work with felt to create three dimension pieces and would like to contribute to this amazing community craft and conservation education project please email me at jasmine.jan@nt.gov.au

“The Territory Wildlife Park with be setting up a crafters corner in its café with lounges, big baskets of wool and crochet hooks and knitting needles available for visitors and volunteers to make the coral elements.

“We will be offering free coffee to any crafters who wish to hang out in the lounge and crochet/knit the hours away.

“However, crafters who would prefer to work in the comfort of their own home or within their own crafting groups are also very welcome and I will be more than happy to come and talk to groups and individuals who would like to be part of this project.”

Territory Wildlife Park Director Shael Martin said this project is part of an ongoing program where the Park is leading the way in terms of its interpretive and educational programs through community involvement with an artistic focus.

“Art has always played an important role in communicating issues and influencing and educating people through the ages,” Ms Martin said.

“Art in its many forms – painting, dance, song, theatre, sculpture – has been used since time immemorial to communicate issues, influence and educate people.

“Visitors are far more likely to spend more time and think more deeply about an artwork than simply reading a sign explaining what an exhibit is about.

“As soon as I see people look at an artwork and ask each other “What do you think that is about?” the learning process has begun and people will explore their own knowledge, and then seek other information to build on this knowledge.

“Art can prompt a deeper learning process and that’s why we think it is so important here at the Park.”

Visitors to the Park may have noticed in recent times that new sculptures, mosaics, animal shaped lanterns and even a giant clam graveyard have been installed throughout the Park giving it a vibrant facelift.

This latest project will add another feature to the Park’s growing Art Trail.

The project also marks the beginning of a new collaborative partnership between Territory Wildlife Park and Tactile Arts (a members based arts organisation for the Darwin community).

Ends

Media note – Jasmine Jan can be contacted on 89887228 and Shael Martin can be contacted on 0408818468

Issued: 1pm Monday, 9 November 2015