Social behavioural change project using story-based strategy

Creatives in Schools is a programme delivered by the Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga in partnership with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage | Te Manatū Taonga and Creative New Zealand. In this programme professional artists and creative practitioners partner with schools and kura to share their specialist knowledge and creative practice with students and ākonga.

Our project, Comics for Change, aimed to build narrative capacity, the ability to understand and work with stories, as well as change attitudes and behaviour around science and social issues.

Over 10 weeks, students deconstructed problem stories around science in the Ormiston community and re-imagined positive alternatives through comics. The project is an equalizer which gives voice to young people and provides them with the necessary skills and platforms to maximize their potential as actors for development.

Designing and delivering this project from conception, to classroom, to exhibition allowed me the opportunity to gain new insights, capabilities, and immerse myself in experimentation.

Read Comic Anthology

Read Project Report Card

Exhibition

Comics for Change | Ormiston Town Centre, Auckland | 9-30 Jul 2021

Awards & Mentions

Creatives in Schools | Ministry of Education, NZ | 2021

“Comics for Change is a wonderful example of the power of stories to help change how we see the world and make our communities a better place to live.”

Edward RossComic book author

We should all listen

“Through their colourful and entertaining comics, these young artists are sharing their vision for a more compassionate and collaborative future. We should all listen.”

Edward Ross, comic book author

“Wow. Gutsy stuff!”

Luke Sumich, Ormiston Junior College Principal

Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover

In response to the idea that girls are asking for trouble when they wear revealing clothing, our message is to not base an opinion solely on appearances.

Don’t Judge a Cake by its Flavour

In response to the idea that eating lots of sugar gives you diabetes. Our message to the reader is to not just believe things at face value.

To Stop the Past

Some people believe that they can’t make an impact alone, our message to the reader is collaboration is the key to success.

Racial Bias

In response to the idea that casual racist comments don’t matter. Our message is that casual racist comments are harmful.

Riots

Riots cause problems from minor inconveniences to police intervention. If you trust in your government they can serve you better.

Us for Change

In response to people who don’t recycle right, our message is that some people around the world are trying to make a change but it is not only up to them, it is also up to us.

Project R

In response to the idea that one person can’t make a difference, our message is to be persistent, you may find others are willing to help.

Asian Hate

In response to the idea that all asians have Covid-19, our message is that we should all be valued as equal members of society.

Rumours

In response to the spread of fake news, our message to the reader is to do your research before believing or spreading rumours.

Light Pollution

In response to the idea that it’s ok to use excessive lighting for advertising, our message is to be aware of the impact we have on each other and our surroundings.