The Federal Government is investing $3.42 million to ensure young Australians have greater opportunities to learn, appreciate and excel in the arts.
This investment will fund four projects to inspire the next generation of performers and creatives through arts education in schools and communities across Australia. The projects include:
Bell Shakespeare – $1.5 million over four years to continue its National Education Program, which reaches more than 80,000 students and teachers across the country annually. The program includes live theatre performances, professional development opportunities for teachers – including a regional teacher mentorship program – and resources for classrooms.
Australian Youth Orchestra – $1.1 million over four years will support the orchestra’s National Music Teachers Mentoring Program, enabling experienced music teachers to share their expertise with generalist classroom teachers to ensure students have access to quality music teaching in Australian schools.
The Song Room – $500,000 to provide disadvantaged schools more teaching artists, resources, and materials, to inspire learning across art forms, with a particular focus on music and fostering personal and creative development in students.
Poetry in Action – $320,000 to bring poetry, theatre and spoken word productions to schools across every state and territory – including in regional and remote locations – building young people’s confidence with language.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the funding opens the door for thousands of Australian kids to engage with a range of art forms.
“Arts and culture belong to everyone – no matter where you live, where you go to school, or your background,” said Minister Burke.
“By providing access to quality teaching, materials and experiences, this funding will give more young Australians the opportunity to develop a love for the arts.”
“That’s absolutely central to Revive – Australia’s new National Cultural Policy – ensuring there’s a place for every story and a story for every place,” said Minister Burke.
For more information about Revive, visit: www.arts.gov.au for details.
Image: Australian Youth Orchestra in Concert – courtesy of AYO