Journey through light and sound

Two Perth schools have put on a stunning multi-sensory art display that explores the connection to the Swan River.

The Bilya Project is a journey through light, sound, and imagery featuring a presentation of immersive performance installations and digital stories.

Bassendean Primary School and Governor Stirling Senior High School came together to deliver the project where Noongar knowledge, visual arts, digital storytelling, music, language, song, movement, and community conversations were woven together to narrate the stories of the Swan River.

The project involved collaboration from Noongar Elders, contemporary artists, environmental scientists, and the local community.

Bassendean Primary School arts specialist Kylie Barr said the Bilya Project had been a year-long cross-cultural collaboration.

“It is a mammoth project, with many people, moving parts, problems, joys, and surprises.

“An undertaking at this scale is not possible without a lot of support. Thanks to the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries who supported this project through funding.

“This significant contribution allowed us to engage a range of artists, not only providing employment for these incredible professionals, but also allowing hundreds of students the opportunity to work with and learn from these incredible creatives. 

“From past projects we have done, I know these experiences will stay with the students for many years.

“We also acknowledge the support from the Town of Bassendean.

“We hope you got to feel the magic that surrounds us, the same magic that has drawn generations to this river for over 60,000 years.”

Governor Stirling Senior High School principal Leo Surjan said it was great for the large secondary college to come together with Bassendean Primary School.  

“The ability of our two schools to forge relationships and work together to provide enriching experiences for our students is the essence of quality teaching,” he said.

The project was made possible through a $60,000 grant from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Culture.