Arts partnerships cultivate creativity in Far North Queensland schools

Children in Aurukun, Cairns and Herberton will work with local artists in their schools on projects designed to boost creativity and education outcomes.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said Aurukun Special School, Cairns State Special School and Mount St Bernard College would receive funding under the Artists in Residence (AIR) program for 2017-18.

“This $200,000 program, supported through Arts Queensland and Education Queensland, sees artists and arts organisations work with students and teachers in communities experiencing disadvantage,” Ms Enoch said.

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

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said Aurukun State School students would participate in choral and musical instrumental music programs thanks to $17,500 in funding.

“This Music Residency Program, delivered by the Queensland Music Festival, builds on the outcomes of the Cape York Instrumental Program,” she said.

“The addition of choral music means all students can benefit from the programs, as well as strengthening music literacy for students already playing instruments.”

Speaker of Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the Cairns State Special School would receive $12,500 to present “Our Voice Our Choice”.

“This 20-week multi-arts project will be a collaboration between students, the school community and the teaching artists, and will be showcased during Disability Action Week in September.”

Ms Enoch said students at Mount St Bernard College in Herberton would take part in street art workshops with contemporary Cairns artist Daniel Wallwork.

“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,” Ms Enoch said.

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

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