Education Forum 2012
The 2012 MPA Education Forum was held 9-10 July, 2012 in Brisbane.

Supported by the Major Performing Arts Board, Arts Organisations Division, Australia Council
Hosted by Opera Queensland
Supported by Opera Queensland, AMPAG, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Theatre Company, Queensland Ballet and ACPA.
When: Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th July 2012
Where: Opera Queensland Studio—Queensland Conservatorium Building, 140 Grey Street, South Brisbane
Presentations and Podcasts
- 4Arts Festival
- Marketing the arts to Generation Glee Jason Sternberg
- MPA presentation Sydney Opera House
- Musica Viva in schools
- The government environment
- Peter Garrett Welcome keynote
- Tony Grysbowski Welcome
- 4Arts Education Festival
- Government policy and practice
What is the Arts in Education forum?
The forum is a two-day annual meeting for the Major Performing Arts (MPA) Education Network to discuss the crucial issues in arts education, including the latest developments in the National Arts Curriculum.
- Day 1 is open to other education personnel from key performing arts companies in Queensland, as well as the MPA Education Network.
- Day 2 is open only to the MPA Education Network.
The program
The 2012 program included panel discussions and workshops on the following topics:
- Latest developments in the National Arts Curriculum
- Examples of best practice—inspiring examples from within and without
- Managing people, better internal and external communication strategies, how to manage creative artists and better advocacy/lobbying techniques—with Graeme Gherashe
- Funding opportunities and success stories
- Government policy and practice
- Marketing to and communicating with young people
The program included numerous opportunities for lively exchange and planning with arts education managers across the sector and in your own art form.
2012 particpants heard from young people and had the opportunity to attend and hear about the inner workings of Queensland’s finest arts performances.
Guest Speaker's Information
Background to the Forum
A network of personnel working in education from the major performing arts companies was established in 2010 at an inaugural conference in Sydney hosted by the Australia Council.
Since then:
- A combined response has been submitted by the MPA Ed Network to the Australian Curriculum Shape Paper in liaison with ACARA and their writing teams.
- The 2010 and 2011 conference evaluations have been studied to consider how the network can continue to serve the professional development needs of its members.
- A meeting with David Foley, Manager Rural and Distance Education Technology NSW Department of Education and Training, Dubbo NSW was held at the Australian Museum in 2011.
- Podcasts and panel details of the 2011 Forum sessions were put up on the AMPAG
- A Scootle portal was created so the network could browse the National Collection of Education Services Australia and pursue possible collaborations—Scootle is a website that hosts digital curriculum resources of the National Digital Learning Resource Network.
Aims of the 2012 Network Forum
The 2012 forum aimed to build on the achievements of the first two forums by further consolidating the network, discussing strategic plans and sharing information about continued excellence in Australian performing arts programs.
Such a forum will help the MPA Education Network to:
- exchange ideas in a professional learning environment
- set further goals and guidelines for the operation of the network
- share ideas about programming and education programs delivery to promote excellence and vibrancy
- expand educational outreach through technology such as social media and good advocacy strategies
- establish a benchmark of national excellence.
Australia Council involvement
The Australia Council funds the forum and offers structural and administrative support. The content of the forum has been developed in consultation with the education managers of the participating MPA companies.
Interesting links you might like to check out before you attend the Forum
- Arts Marketing - http://www.a-m-a.co.uk/page.aspx?id=152.
- National Cultural Policy - http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/a-panel...
- MPA Ed companies digital programs - http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/...
- Richard Gill on the value of music education – TED presentation - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeRus3NVbwE&featur...
- 4Arts Festival link (coming soon)