* grandmas, grandads, nannas, pops, gruncles and great aunties

Someone once told me that if they’d known grandchildren were going to be so much fun, they would have had them first!

We well know that experiences shared by grandparents and grandchildren (and aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews) promote knowledge, exchange, and mutual learning. They deepen relationship ties, increase and strengthen bonds, and deliver psychological, social, and cultural benefits, as well as provide a foundation for education and development for both generations.

Add to this the extraordinary power of the arts and you have a compelling reason to pause play, shutdown screens, put away the digital devices, and get on with the real!

You know that nothing beats a shared experience to build deep bonds and create lasting memories … and this year’s festival program from Ten Days on the Island has a bag full of treats for you and your grandchildren, nieces, and nephews! Not surprisingly a core theme running through much of the program addresses the challenges of climate and what we can do … a marvellous discussion starter with your smaller people of any age!

If you’re in Launceston, you can relive your childhood on the joyful SWING or thrill the whole family with WE CARE from Ulverstone’s youth circus Slipstream. Both are in Civic Square and free of charge. With your older charges, immerse yourselves in the inspiring and optimistic BEACON presented by Tasdance, or share the wonder that is WILDS, a bold new work by Tassie’s acclaimed circus troupe ROOKE. If music is your thing, you could savour the original and reinvented delights of Lucky Oceans and David Milroy with MUSIC IS THE COLOUR OF MY SKIN, hearing timeless sounds with new ears.

And don’t miss the exhibition, PORTRAIT OF COMMUNITY, at Sawtooth ARI which is sure to stimulate some great conversations about climate change and how art can help us understand science.

In Nipaluna/Hobart you are literally spoilt for choice – imagine the stories you will recount long into the future after sharing TANIWHA TIME MACHINE, the magical, interactive installation from Aotearoa artists on the Bellerive boardwalk, suitable for the whole family and free of charge. For slightly older kids, you cannot miss the latest offering from Tasmania’s own Terrapin Puppet Theatre in collaboration with Japan’s Aichi Prefecture Arts Theatre – GOLDFISH – a masterful meld of imagination and inventiveness.

If it’s an intro to more ‘grown-up’ work you’re keen on, why not join the crazy fun that is Forced Entertainment’s SELECTED WORKS: TABLE TOP SHAKESPEARE. They will present condensed versions of well-known plays, using only common kitchen items as props – an excellent way to explore how artists can surprise and delight us. For a very special experience that will live long in your hearts, don’t miss TMAG UP LATE which will bring contemporary music and art together in a unique setting.

Pataway/Burnie is the beating heart of Ten Days on the Island and there is no shortage of glorious experiences to share with your beloveds – for the littlest, there’s the delightful WE CARE from Slipstream Circus at Burnie Arts; and for older family, there’s a performance of AN IMAGINARY LIFE by renowned Australian author David Malouf, in the Uniting Church. Throughout the Festival you can relish THIS IS MY LAND, THIS IS MY SEA, an artistic love letter shining out across the sea, from artist Caleb Nichols Mansell celebrating the place he calls home, and the BURNIE PRINT PRIZE featuring the amazing skills of printmakers from around Australia.

Of course, the Festival is not just about the major population centres … grandies in regional and rural Tassie can share meaningful artistic experiences … or those from the city can make a road trip! Imagine the richness of conversations when travelling to and from a mesmerising theatrical event such as AN IMAGINARY LIFE in New Norfolk or Rowella, or the joyful musical experience of MUSIC IS THE COLOUR OF MY SKIN in Lilydale or Gowrie Park. Staying overnight adds to the adventure!

Consider the part that you can play in helping the young people in your life to develop their critical thinking, explore diverse creative practices, and value the place of the arts in their lives. In so doing you’ll be ensuring they have a deeper sense of self and a powerful sense of belonging – the greatest gift you can give those you love.

Great Aunty,
Jane Haley