Arts Centre Melbourne Launches 2013 Education Program

It’s wearing, particularly as a Drama teacher, to listen to an Education Minister talk about ‘The Arts’ in an all encompassing way that infers a limited understanding of Theatre, Dance, live performance or performance making.  However that was only a small part of this launch and surely State Education Minister Martin Dixon’s presence is a sign of the Government’s endorsement of the rich and interesting Education Program that Arts Centre Melbourne have been strengthening and enhancing under the strong and vibrant leadership of Judith Isherwood.

The launch of this year’s Education Program also treated guests to a beautifully articulated and satisfying presentation by Rosemary Myers about working with young people towards Windmill’s acclaimed work - School Dance. In light of Windmill’s highly commended production of Pinocchio that was staged at Malthouse last year, and the very positive response in Sydney and Adelaide to seasons of School Dance, it would be wise to book one’s ticket very soon. It promises to be a hit.

Excitingly, Arts Centre Melbourne’s Education Program is doing some innovative digital work with a number of programs in operation for schools.  In chatting to staff at this launch I learned that digital programs are about to be offered to the general public. I, for one, will certainly be keeping an eye out for that.

The excellent Arts Connect9 program is still a vital incentive that gives significant numbers of year 9 regional students an opportunity of be introduced to, and engage with, cultural sites and activities in the ‘big smoke’.  I vividly remember bringing a rickety old bus of year nines down to Melbourne for one of these enriching treats.  And there is also the First Call Fund that provides subsidies towards the cost of participation in programs for schools.

The Partner Schools’ Initiative bodes well for Arts Centre Melbourne as a promising way for performance makers and producers to open meaningful lines of communication with teachers and students from all over the state.  Twenty regional and local schools have been chosen for this calendar year to attend two to three events and share their knowledge about current needs in the classroom. Who knows, this could be something that assists in enhancing respect for ‘Arts Education’ in our schools.

Comprehensive information on all the above and the Primary and Secondary Schools Programs can be sourced online at:  artscentremelbourne.com.au

Suzanne Sandow

Image from School Dance. Photographer: Tony Lewis.