Arts partnerships cultivate creativity in Western Qld

Young Queenslanders in Mt Isa, Longreach and Quilpie 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 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.”

Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School in Longreach received $20,000 for its project, “Our Story Their Story, Let’s Walk Together”.

“This project will see children design and paint eight individual murals for display within the school grounds,” Ms Enoch said.

“By working with local Aboriginal artists from the region, this will allow students to connect and learn the history, practices and stories of Aboriginal art.”

Quilpie State College received $20,000 to host a Musica Viva residency with award-winning composer and musician Nicole Murphy.

“This three week residency will culminate in a performance for the school’s centenary, to be shared with the whole community,” Ms Enoch said.

Good Shepherd Catholic College in Mt Isa received $11,072 to enable Backbone Youth Arts to run a theatre residency at the school, as well as professional development for drama teachers and theatre members of the community.

“This program will see Brisbane-based playwright David Burton teach students the Verbatim Theatre model to students, culminating in a community performance,” Ms 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

Media contact: 0437 859 987