Published in The Ararat Advocate, Ararat's weekly newspaper published by West Vic News Pty Ltd.
RESILIENT Ararat cluster schools will collaborate on a creative art project in the coming months funded by the state government.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Jaala Pulford, welcomed the news that Ararat College is one of 14 schools across the state selected to take part in the 2021 round of the program.
The Creative Learning Partnerships program pairs schools with professional artists or creative organisations to develop a creative project.
Students from the Resilient Ararat cluster schools will work with local artist, Alyshia McInnes, during terms two and three to design and paint a panel of artwork that reflects what their school community is grateful for.
Central Grampians LLEN Executive Officer, Jane Moriarty, said Ararat College applied for the funding on behalf of the Resilient Ararat cluster schools.
“We are so grateful to receive funding through the Creative Learning Partnerships program,” Ms Moriarty said.
“As well as providing local students with an opportunity to engage in a creative activity, it will help us highlight the strong ties between gratitude, happiness and resilience, creating a lasting community artwork that can be shared and enjoyed for years to come.”
The final product will be a series of 10 weather-proof framed art panels which will be displayed in front of each school, or in a chosen location in the school’s community.
Ararat College principal, Ellie McDougall, said the funding is a welcomed investment to help students further their creative skills in the arts.
“It supports our focus on aspiration and providing students with opportunities to explore a diverse range of possible pathways.”
“This will benefit students across the cluster schools, not just at Ararat College, promoting collaboration that is vital in small communities such as ours.”
Ms Pulford congratulated participating schools and said she has no doubt the project will have a big impact on the community.
“We are really excited to be working on this project involving the arts that has a whole community focus,” she said.
“Collaborating with a professional arts worker means students will produce an exciting creative work for their school that they can be proud of.”