Arts partnerships cultivate creativity in Townsville

Published Tuesday, 17 April, 2018 at 02:53 PM

Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch

Indigenous design students at Heatley Secondary College and young people at Cleveland Education and Training Centre will benefit from arts projects designed to boost creativity and education outcomes.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said the $200,000 Artists in Residence (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 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,” Ms Enoch said.

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said Heatley Secondary College had received $20,000 for “People, Culture, and Country”.

“This program will see small groups of junior secondary Indigenous students working collaboratively to produce wearable artworks inspired by their culture, for display in an exhibition,” he said.

“Aboriginal artists will teach students traditional skills and techniques in weaving, printmaking and painting to allow students to incorporate them into their artworks.”

Mr Harper said the Cleveland Education and Training Centre had received $11,500 to support young people within the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre.

“This Youth Engagement and Cultural Beautification project will give young people opportunities to engage with a cultural artist, and be involved in improving the Cultural Garden environment,” he said.

Minister Enoch said 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.”

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

 

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