The program is an initiative of Shell Geelong Refinery in partnership with the Geelong Gallery, which introduces school children from the northern suburbs of Geelong to the gallery. Geoffrey Edwards, Director, Geelong Gallery, said each year around 120 school children visit the gallery aboard the Shell Art bus and participate in specialised art classes, inspired by the gallery's collections, to create their own individual works of art. "Students develop skills and create works using a range of art mediums. The students create their own exhibitions which are displayed in the gallery for the public to view. Often children bring their families back to the gallery to proudly show off their vibrant creations in this very public setting. "It's a great way to break down barriers and encourage children to enjoy and try art," Geoffrey said. Shell Geelong Refinery General Manager, Huck Poh, said he is delighted that the Shell Art Bus Program has been nominated as a finalist in the 'Australia Council Arts for Young People' category. "I believe it's important for companies, like Shell, to provide community programs that help build capacity in the local community, and this program is an excellent example of this," Huck said. The partnership between Shell and the Geelong Gallery was formed in 2005, when both parties recognised that support for children in the northern suburbs matched their objectives. The annual AbaF Awards are presented to publicly acknowledge and celebrate best practice in private sector support for the arts and culture through partnering, volunteering and giving. The National AbaF awards will be held in Sydney on 25 October 2007.
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