Backing more creative learning in the classroom

ART-photo-by Zach-Key on UnsplashThe Victorian Government is bringing the creative industries into more classrooms across Victoria, supporting artists and creative professionals to undertake residencies in schools across the state.

Acting Minister for Creative Industries Ben Carroll has officially opened the 2024 round of the Creative Learning Partnerships program, allowing more students and teachers the opportunity to work with leading Victorian creatives.

“The Creative Learning Partnerships program pairs Victorian schools with some of our state’s most exciting and renowned creative professionals to take an innovative approach to the curriculum,” said Acting Minister for Creative Industries Ben Carroll.

“Participation in creative projects like this benefit students in many ways, from boosting motivation and confidence to building skills and critical thinking.”

Public, independent and Catholic schools are invited to apply for placements that will begin from Term 2, 2024.

The 2023 Creative Learning Partnerships residencies are now underway, with hip hop artists, theatre producers, multimedia artists and animators among the creatives sharing their skills and knowledge with students and teachers in 19 schools across the state.

Students from Woodline Primary School, near Geelong, are exploring storytelling and art making inspired by First Peoples as our first scientists, under the guidance of Wadawurrung woman Nikki McKenzie and Kurnai and Wotjobaluk man Norm Stanley.

Shepparton English Language Centre students, who have recently arrived in Australia, are working to make short animated films using universal expressions with film maker Cath Murphy.

Singer-songwriter Sarah Ward is working with students at West Wodonga’s Flying Fruit Fly Circus School to learn about the art of song writing, while Angharad Neal-Williams is collaborating with students at Kensington Primary School to develop a school values mural.

“Creative Learning Partnerships enrich the learning experiences of students and provide valuable professional development opportunities for both the teachers and creatives involved,” said Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins.

The Creative Learning Partnerships program last year celebrated its 40th birthday, making it Creative Victoria’s longest running program. During this time it has supported more than 1500 artists to work at 1200 schools, providing learning experiences for more than 70,000 students.


For more information, application details, and previous recipients, visit: www.creative.vic.gov.au for details. Applications for the 2024 round of the program close on Thursday 24 August 2023.

Image: ART – photo by Zach Key on Unsplash