Hobart's Museum of Old and New Art has defended its promotion of an idea to medicate children with marijuana in a bid to improve Tasmania's education outcomes.
MONA creative director Leigh Carmichael described an idea from teaching artist Leon Ewing to supply marijuana to students in a controlled and moderated manner as "brave and creative".
"We don't necessarily agree with this idea, but we love that it's brave and creative, and in order for seismic change, we'll need to think big and be open to provocative ideas," Mr Carmichael said on Tuesday.
For three days in June, MONA will - as part of its annual winter event Dark Mofo - host a festival of ideas on how to improve education levels in Tasmania, which are among Australia's poorest.
Mr Ewing will take part in the event but has already put forward his idea.
"We already prescribe amphetamine-like medications to our children for focus and docility. What if we medicated for creativity? Educational marijuana, if you will," he said.
Mr Ewing cited a history of use of mind-altering substances by artists to "broaden their consciousness".
"What genius could be nurtured, if not unleashed, in such circumstances? What a transformational experience," he said of his proposal.
The plan would include recruiting a "voluntary control group, screened for robust mental health" and use customised vaporisers to deliver the drug, Mr Ewing said.
The children would work in residence at MONA, in partnership with some of the world's leading artists, to unleash their creativity, Mr Ewing said of his idea.
Mr Carmichael said it is important for Tasmania to embrace a bold new approach to education and all contributions should be encouraged.
"We have to be open to the broad spectrum of creative ideas that may emerge, whether we agree with them or not," he said.
"We hope this is just the first of ideas that emerge to challenge us and get people talking."
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