About the exhibition
Children's art is powerful. Through art, children give voice to their knowledge and experience of their world. To have your voice heard is a human right. But, to make art, to tell your own story and to share this with others takes courage. Drawing from the Dr Barbara Piscitelli AM Children's Art Archive Big Voices celebrates this courage and creativity of children sharing their stories through art.
This archive is a collection created by Dr Piscitelli, collector and curator of children's art, and advocate for children's cultural citizenship.
The archive represents over 30 years of working with children on local, regional and international art projects. Exploring children's perceptions and observations of specific areas of their lives, this unique research collection tells stories of childhood across continents, across communities and across time.
Dr Barbara Piscitelli AM
In 1986, Dr Piscitelli founded the Children's Art Archive when she began using art to talk with children about their worlds, their futures and their rights.
Since that time, she has systematically collected and documented over 2,000 children's artworks from urban and rural Australia, China and Vietnam.
The Children's Art Archive was donated to State Library in 2005 to continue this commitment to collect and preserve children's works.
Dr Barbara Piscitelli AM Children's Art Archive, 1986-2016
Online curator's tour
Dr Barbara Piscitelli AM Oral History and Children's Art Archive Digital Story
After the Fridge: Caring for children's artwork
An interview with Eric Stonehouse
Big Voices webinar
Behind the scenes
Summary: Dr Barbara Piscitelli AM Oral History and Children's Art Archive Digital Story
The Children’s Picture Diaries methodology aims to collect stories about childhood, as told by children in various formats: in story, poem, film, drawing, painting or sculpture. The methodology encourages the development of critical and creative thinking, literacy, intercultural understandings, and personal and social capabilities.
This education resource is underpinned by the methodology developed in communities by Dr Barbara Piscitelli AM.
Grade Levels: Early Years
Subject Areas: Visual Art
— Convention on the Rights of the Child
Invite your child to create a painting, poem, sculpture, collage, dance, anything they dream up, and share with us on Instagram with #slqBigVoices.
On 28 September 2018, I went to the State Library of Queensland to meet Dr Barbara Piscitelli AM. We had briefly met once...
On 20 November 1989 the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child and opened this significant treaty for signatures...
Hello and welcome to The Corner at Home Activities. Today’s activity is inspired by the exhibition, Big Voices: Children’s Art Matters...
State Library offers a wealth of resources for students, teachers and learners of all ages.
Research shows the first five years last a lifetime and that simple, everyday activities with you help to make these connections strong.
Resources to activate State Library's programs for children and families in your homes and spaces.