Initially I probably didn’t even call it acting, but dressing up or something. As a kid I think you fully imagine the world in which you want to inhabit, so you put some clothes on and just kind of freely imagine this world, and it’s a total imaginary world. Hugo Weaving

Arts improve general learning - a sound investment

Every one of the 28 companies in AMPAG sees young people as a vital audience for the present and the future. Being exposed to live music, drama, dance and opera is an essential way of experiencing Australian culture and stories, as well as providing the well-documented benefits of increased literacy, numeracy and creative thinking.

Musica Viva alone reaches almost 400,000 children every year with its touring ensemble and learning programs. AMPAG companies use philanthropy, grants and charges to finance programs reaching over 700,000 students.

AMPAG congratulates the Federal and State Governments for the commitment this year to look for opportunities to collaborate on improving the delivery of arts education. There are major gaps particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas. The Cultural Ministers Council has asked for officials to prepare and arts education workplan for consideration at their next meeting in October 2008.

AMPAG is delighted with the new commitment, and looks forward to new partnerships with schools as Australia readies itself to develop the creative talent of its young people across the country.

 
What the Government can do to nurture the talents of young Australians

1. Develop Partnerships between AMPAG companies and schools
Innovate with a fund to partner AMPAG companies with schools. This is a simple and cost effective way to use existing resources and provide immediate access to vibrant performing arts productions and concerts to thousands of young people all around the country.

2. Develop policies and programs for the National Arts Education strategy
AMPAG calls for a modest outlay of $15 million for a national fund for arts education projects to take vibrant performance to schools and to bring Australian kids to theatres and concert halls. The fund should be part of a comprehensive strategy to restore and build creative arts into learning across Australia which will involved work on curriculums, teacher training and resources.

3. Subside arts travel and productions costs
An obvious solution is for Government to subsidise for arts companies’ travel and production costs for school tours, and we recommend a national fund be established to support arts companies in making their work accessible to students across Australia.

4. Access for all - Artists in schools
Bring high-calibre artists and productions into Australian schools, especially in disadvantaged or remote areas, through the touring fund which would also fund school classes to visit theatres and concert halls. The recent Federal budget announcement of $5.2 million over four years for an artistis in schools program is a welcome commitment to bringing creative skills into education.

5. Improve education quality - develop arts teacher training
Establish programs to develop the quality of teaching in the arts to develop music, drama, dance, opera and circus skills. AMPAG calls for Federal and State Education Ministers to act now on the recommendations of the Music Enquiry.

6. Provide the tools - Purchase or lease musical instruments
A small fund to help schools purchase or lease musical instruments to enable more schools to establish bands and orchestras.

More information about how Government can support young Australians.