Industry leaders team with I-Manifest; transcends the memory of Martin Place into a place of hope

I-Manifest and Liverpool Girls High School, in collaboration with leading creative agencies, Heckler, The Pool Collective, Finely Tuned, and Groove Quantize have created and designed visual content around the theme of transcendence to be featured in Martin Place as part the Vivid Festival 2015.

Liverpool Girls High School is a school with a vibrant 89% culturally and linguistically diverse community. The students have worked alongside the creatives exploring the theme of transcendence, in light of the recent tragedies at the Lindt Café. I-Manifest a charity that is focused on providing opportunity and access to marginalised youth into the rapidly growing creative industries.

Says Will Alexander, executive producer of Heckler: “There are many different pathways kids can take in life, I was one of the lucky ones who benefited from a mentor and chose a pathway that ultimately led me to an amazing career in the film, tv and advertising industries. And instead of just ‘giving back’, I’d rather ‘pay it forward’; which is why I am so proud to see Heckler team up with the other mentors to support I-Manifest and the students at Liverpool High, to create their “Transcendence” light-based, large scale projection installation in Martin Place.”

Says Sean Izzard, founder, The Pool Collective: “We are in a very fortunate position as a successful production company and it’s really important that we provide opportunities for the next generation. This has been a part of our philosophy from the very beginning and the work that I-Manifest is doing is a perfect match for us.”

On the evening of Thursday 4th June (tonight), the Liverpool Girls High School students will be showcasing their work at the Transcendence installation designed by Joseph Crossley. This project is part of wider program of I-Manifest that aligns real world opportunities and industry experience with the national curriculum.

Says Jo Pretyman, founder and CEO, I-Manifest: “At I-Manifest we passionately believe that new thinking is required to challenge the current youth unemployment crisis. Right now in some communities in Australia the youth unemployment rate is over 20% and yet we have a rapidly growing creative economy that in NSW employs more people than mining and agriculture combined. Yet for so many young people access to these sectors isn’t even an option. We are here to connect the dots in new ways, transforming the journey for young people from school, further education and the future world of work.”

On the project within schools:

Says Katy Lumkin, head teacher learning innovations, equity, Department of Education: “We believe that creative minds are flexible and pliable. Innovation becomes intrinsic, embedded and expected. Real world applications and authentic learning experiences provide our students with the opportunities to explore beyond the classroom develop self-confidence and excel beyond their own beliefs.”

This project was made possible by generous support of The St George Foundation.

Will Alexander EP – Heckler

Jessica Young – Mentor – Liverpool Girls High School