Children in Sydney and Japan make digital art together in this real-time creative project. Join the Dots connects kids in both countries via live video link to turn the walls of the Sydney Opera House and the Art Museum and Library, Ōta, into one giant projected canvas for drawing, making friends and having fun.

The brainchild of Sydney Opera House’s Frank Newman in collaboration with ArtsPeople, Join the Dots brings together artists Nobumasa Takahashi and Jacqui Stockdale in a playful project that sees artists, performers and children collaborating on freehand illustrations that unfold simultaneously on walls 8000km apart.

Inspired by manga and traditional Japanese iconography, Tokyo-based Takahashi’s practice spans fine art and performative live illustration events. A quick-draw specialist, he’s also a highly entertaining artist to watch at work.

Stockdale is a Melbourne-based painter, drawer and photographer whose exuberant work has been recognised with several major awards, including the Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize.

Join The Dots is conceived and created by the Sydney Opera House Creative Play team, who specialise in interactive installations for children and families.

CREDITS
Frank Newman Director and Concept
Nobumasa Takahashi Visual Artist (drawing from Sydney Opera House)
Jacqui Stockdale Visual Artist (drawing from Ōta, Japan)
Toby K Interactive Drawing System Designer
Andrea Espinoza Designer
Alison Bennett Australian Performer in Japan
Yuriko Suzuki Japanese Performer in Australia
ArtsPeople Cultural Consultants and Creative Producers

Produced by Sydney Opera House Creative Play Program, ArtsPeople, Art Museum and Library, Ōta and Spiral / Wacoal Art Centre.

Join the Dots is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia-Japan Foundation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Japan Foundation.


Photo: Prudence Upton