Developed from the recognition that not everyone has equal access to our big blue back yard, Dive & Draw is an initiative giving koori kids aged 9+ the opportunity to go diving in their local waters, without so much as putting on a mask and snorkel! With so much underwater wonder here in Narooma and the far south coast, we wanted everyone to be able to experience diving! This unique experience of "dry diving" uses underwater drones that live feed from unique biodiversity habitats in Wagonga inlet onto a big screen in a creative hub space in Narooma (The Fish Tank).
As a collaboration of film makers, designers, engineers and science communicators our goal is to harness the transformative power of an immersive nature and art experience to inspire positive connection (to each other and our local environment) and creativity (through play, narrative and storytelling / art).
We aim to educate children about the significance of their local marine life and the importance of caring for sea country by providing highly memorable and enriching experiences that combine learning with fun. Our vision is to inspire creativity, resilience, connection and self-expression through immersive art - then celebrate their art and visual storytelling with the community in a public exhibition.
test dives commence at the end of 2024 & The live diving program
will run across 5 days BETWEEN 20 & 30 january 2025
A UNIQUE BLEND OF
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ART
We see a future where young people are educated, creative and passionate ocean advocates, supported by others to create positive change for the sea and therefore our communities through abundant fish stocks and seafood availability (food security) and clean, safe oceans to enjoy… above, below and beside!
The program uses the UN Sustainable Development Goals framework to underpin the workshops and focus. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At it’s heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); the Dive & Draw program is informed by the Sustainable Development Goal 14 - Life Below Water. We hope many Dive & Draw participants go on to do great things, ranging from marine life advocacy, to sharing their art in their community and inspiring others to share an interest in the oceans, conservation, art, storytelling and science.
The inaugural program will be celebrated by way of public displays of the artworks in exhibition at the local SOArt gallery in Narooma & Bay Pavilions in Batemans Bay.
Dive & Draw is a program facilitated through a range of partners aimed at young people who show a basic interest in art and/or oceans, coasts and marine life. The program is an initiative is the result of a unique collaboration between Catfish Creative, Submerged Entertainment Australia, Joonga Divers & The Fish Tank, Narooma.The program’s purpose is to be a mechanism for connecting like-minded young people and giving them the opportunity to create art and story that celebrates our local, biodiverse oceans and waterways of the far south coast.
Dive & Draw participants are given the opportunity to “dry dive” with a live underwater immersive experience on screen in a colourful creative space (The Fish Tank) in Narooma. Dive & Draw attracts ambitious, creative kids that would like to know more about ocean life while expanding on their imaginative and creative qualities, inspired by what they see in their immersion.