37 creative workers have begun their placement in 32 government schools across Victoria from this week as part of the Creative Workers in Schools program.
The Creative Workers in Schools program, delivered by Regional Arts Victoria in partnership with Department of Education and Training and Creative Victoria through the support of the Victorian Government’s Working for Victoria initiative, is providing the opportunity for 150 creative industry workers to undertake a six-month residency in Victorian government schools, including special schools.
Minister for Employment, Jaala Pulford, attended the launch at Brunswick North West Primary School on Monday morning. “We’re giving kids the opportunity to learn from some of our state’s best artists, designers, musicians, filmmakers and writers and helping creatives to get back into work,” said the Minister.
“Victoria’s professional artists and creatives are renowned the world over and we’re giving them the opportunity to help the next generation of artists to get excited about their work in the classroom.”
From Apollo Bay to Altona, Birregurra to Broadmeadows, Numurkah to North Melbourne, Paynesville to Point Cook, the first stream of matches reaches across regional and metropolitan locations.
Animators, circus performers, designers, fashion designers, filmmakers, landscape architects, musicians, podcasters, poets, puppeteers, sculptors, theatre makers, and visual artists are amongst the first creative workers to begin their six-month placements this Term.
Dave Rogers, Creative Workers in Schools Statewide Program Manager at Regional Arts Victoria, said the diversity and reach of the first stream of projects was inspiring. “It’s a real thrill to see such innovative and experienced creative workers starting to head into schools to share their craft, talent and enthusiasm,” he said.
“The teachers that we are talking to are already telling us how excited they are to host the creative workers in their school and that there is a palpable buzz amongst the students. We’re looking forward to seeing these exciting and no doubt surprising creative projects come to life,” said Mr Rogers.
Expressions of Interest for Stream Two of the program, for placements beginning Term 2, 2021, are now open and close 5.00pm – Monday 22 February. For more information, visit: www.rav.net.au for details.
Image: Circus Oz Workshops – photo by Charlie Kinross