Big hART facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Formation	1992
Headquarters	Burnie, Tasmania
Location	Australia
Creative Director	Scott Rankin
Formerly called	Big hART

Big hART is an Australian company that uses art to help people and communities. They focus on social justice, which means they work to make things fair for everyone. Their main base is in Tasmania, but they work all over Australia.

What is Big hART?

Big hART is a special kind of arts company. They don't just put on shows or create art for fun. Instead, they use creative projects to help solve real-world problems. They work with communities that might be facing tough times or need extra support.

How Big hART Started

Big hART was created in 1992. It was started by a writer and director named Scott Rankin and John Bakes. They began their work in Burnie, a town in north-western Tasmania. At that time, some local factories had closed down. This caused problems for many families and led to an increase in crime. Scott and John wanted to use art to help the town heal and create new opportunities.

How They Work with Communities

Big hART creates big, long-term projects. These projects are designed to help communities grow and improve. They work in cities, country areas, and even very remote parts of Australia. Their goal is to help people get more involved in their community. This includes helping them with social activities, cultural events, and even finding jobs.

They follow a special three-step plan for their projects:

• Step 1: Listen and Learn. They spend a lot of time in a community. They listen to people's stories and understand their needs.
• Step 2: Create Together. They work with community members to create art. This could be plays, music, films, or digital projects. Everyone gets to be part of the creative process.
• Step 3: Share and Grow. They share the art with a wider audience. This helps to tell the community's stories and bring about positive change. It also helps people gain new skills and confidence.

Cool Projects They've Done

Big hART has worked on many exciting projects. Here are a few examples:

• Yijala Yala (Roebourne): This project worked with Aboriginal elders and young people. They used digital art, music, and storytelling to share ancient stories and create new ones.
• Namatjira (Ntaria): This project celebrated the life and art of Albert Namatjira, a famous Aboriginal artist. It helped his family share their story and continue his artistic legacy.
• Smashed (Tasmania): This project focused on young people and road safety. It used theatre to explore the serious issue of dangerous driving.
• Ngapartji Ngapartji (Alice Springs and surrounds): This was a powerful theatre show. It told the story of the Anangu people and the impact of nuclear testing in their traditional lands. The project also helped teach the Pitjantjatjara language.

These projects often help people learn new skills. They also give a voice to people who might not always be heard.

Awards for Their Work

Big hART's projects have won many awards. One of their most famous projects, Ngapartji Ngapartji, received several honors:

• Deadly Awards 2008 – It won for Most Outstanding Achievement in Film, TV and Theatre.
• Sydney Theatre Awards 2008 – Trevor Jamieson, who was the lead actor, won Best Lead Man. The show was also nominated for Best Mainstage Production and Best Direction.

These awards show how important and impactful Big hART's work is. They prove that art can make a real difference in people's lives.