Arts partnerships cultivate creativity for Toowoomba kids

A Toowoomba kindergarten will provide diverse arts experiences to its students after receiving funding through the Queensland Government’s Artists in Residence program.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said the $200,000 AIR program 2017-18, supported through Arts Queensland and Education Queensland, would see artists and arts organisations work with students and teachers in communities experiencing disadvantage.

“Each of the 14 arts partnerships across the state has been specially developed to meet the specific needs and expectations of each school or kindy and their community,” Ms Enoch said.

“For many of the students, this will be their first ever in-depth arts experience.”

Vera Lacaze Memorial Community Kindergarten had received $8012 for its “Sharing Stories and Culture” program.

“Children will take part in diverse artist-led interactive workshops to broaden their understanding of culture, their own as well as others,” Minister Enoch said.

“Staff will also benefit from professional development sessions to support the kindy’s ability to continue providing high quality arts-based learning opportunities.”

The 2017-18 projects will take place in Aurukun, Beenleigh, Cairns, Caboolture (two projects), Herberton, Logan, Longreach, Mount Isa, Quilpie, Redbank Plains, Toowoomba and Townsville (two projects).

“Since its implementation in 2009, the AIR program has delivered meaningful, stimulating and targeted arts and cultural experiences to more than 120 schools and thousands of students across the state, with great success in demonstrating a positive impact for all participants,” Minister Enoch said.

For more information, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/arts/funding/organisations/schools

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