Thousands of students to benefit from millions in grants

  • Total of $3,319,087 awarded to 11 successful applicants for Creative Learning Partnerships Program
  • Projects expected to reach 143 schools, 22,500 students and 2061 teachers across Western Australia

More than 22,000 students across Western Australia will benefit from $3,319,087 in funding from the McGowan Government’s Creative Learning Partnerships Program.

Grants of up to $500,000 have been awarded to 11 applicants, to support two-year creative learning programs for students in school years 2 to 9. The successful applications came from two schools and nine arts organisations.

The projects range from literature and visual art to theatre, music and digital creation, and will employ approximately 150 artists and creative practitioners.

The program aims to provide enriched learning opportunities for students throughout the State by embedding creativity across the curriculum.

The grants are delivering on a 2021 State Election commitment of an $8 million investment in a Creative Learning Program.

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As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:

“Collectively these 11 projects which receive funding through the Creative Learning Partnerships Program will reach about 143 schools, 22,500 students and 2061 teachers across Western Australia.

“The McGowan Government is committed to delivering creative learning in WA schools. We want all students, including those in socially, economically and geographically disadvantaged areas, to have access to enriched creative learning opportunities.

“Being involved in the arts not only provides educational and creative benefits but also has positive social, health and wellbeing outcomes for students.

“I am looking forward to seeing the transformative impact these projects will have for students, school staff and our creative communities.”

As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:

“Creative learning is critical for students to develop the ability to express their ideas and stretch their imagination. It can enrich their overall learning and engagement.

“Through the Creative Learning Partnerships Program we are supporting teachers to integrate creative learning across every learning area.

“This exciting and innovative program helps to ensure we are increasing access for students to participate in the arts and cultural and creative activities.”

Culture and the Arts Minister’s office – 6552 5400

Creative Learning Partnerships Program recipients

AWESOME Arts Australia Ltd – $500,000

AWESOME Schools: A new creative learning program focusing upon organisation-wide, longitudinal partnering with five schools (three metro and two regionally based). The program will deliver four weeks of residency and produce two digital professional development resources.

Barking Gecko Theatre Company Ltd – $351,835

Immerse: The project will deliver an Artist in Residence program for Years 3 to 6 students, an Interactive Digital Resource, and twice-yearly Educator Professional Learning development.

Big hART Inc. – $390,000

NEO-Learning: A project where digital literacies, arts and First People’s culture connect. The project will deliver digital arts opportunities that explore First Nations perspectives and promote student wellbeing and skills in regional and remote Western Australian schools.

Black Swan State Theatre Company Ltd – $139,698

The Bridge Program: A six-week in-school program for students in Years 7 to 9 implemented in Drama, English and HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences) classes, applying arts processes to respond to key units in the curriculum.

Centre for Stories Limited – $158,141

Schools Storytelling Program: Centre for Stories will deliver oral storytelling and creative writing workshops to Year 7 to 9 students at schools in the Perth Metropolitan area in 2023-24.

FORM Building a State of Creativity Inc. – $500,000

Creative Schools Program: To be delivered over a full academic year and focusing on creating a meaningful partnership between artists, educators and school leaders. Facilitated in Perth, the South-West and the Pilbara.

Gladys Newton School – $141,526

Nguny djen kooliny (Let’s walk together): Gladys Newton School, Majella Catholic PS, Warriapendi PS and Balga SHS will design and create public art reflecting the Noongar community and natural environment.

Musica Viva Australia – $400,000

Multi-year Music Residency Program: A collaborative approach to sequential music education for students in disadvantaged Western Australian primary schools through six long-term artist residencies.

Neerigen Brook Primary School – $182,393

Deadly Deeds & Dardy Dreams: Six programs designed to immerse students in art-based activities to deepen their understanding of and connection to Noongar boodja.

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre Inc. – $150,000

Digital Puppetry Program: Includes the development of an app to deliver digital storytelling for young people across Western Australia.

The Literature Centre Inc. – $405,494

A two-year program working with regional and remote schools across the State to co-design creative experiences with strong literacy, visual literacy, English, visual arts and creative writing.

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