The Finocchiaro CLP Government is investing $100,000 through Artists in Schools, supporting 13 projects that connect students with professional Territory artists across the Territory.
Minister for Arts Jinson Charls visited Nemarluk School, where a $7,000 grant is helping students create artworks for the school’s 40th anniversary.
Artists in Schools enriches student learning, supports local creative industries and helps restore the Territory lifestyle.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering in its year of growth, certainty and security by investing $100,000 in the 2026 Artists in Schools Grants Program, supporting 13 innovative projects in schools across the Territory.
Jointly funded by the Department of People, Sport and Culture through Arts NT and the Department of Education and Training, Artists in Schools is connecting students and schools with Territory artists to create rich learning experiences.
Each funded project has been designed by schools to reflect the interests, cultures and aspirations of their local communities, ensuring every initiative delivers meaningful learning experiences that are unique to Territory students and communities.
Backed by a $7,000 investment through Artists in Schools, students at Nemarluk School in Alawa are turning colourful tiles into a lasting legacy, working with local mosaic artist Janie Andrews to create a series of artworks celebrating the school’s 40th anniversary.
Visiting the school, Minister for Arts Jinson Charls saw first-hand how Artists in Schools is helping students bring their creativity to life through the Green Ant Mosaic Legacy Panels.
Minister Charls said the Artists in Schools program is bringing the Territory’s vibrant arts sector into classrooms, helping students learn from local artists while restoring the arts as a key part of the Territory lifestyle.
“Our investment is enriching learning opportunities for students, supporting Territory artists and helping local creative industries thrive as we restore the Territory lifestyle,” Minister Charls said.
“It was fantastic to visit Nemarluk School and see the work of students as they help create something that will become a lasting part of the school’s story.”
Minister for Education and Training Jo Hersey said the Finocchiaro CLP Government was committed to keeping young Territorians engaged in school by providing opportunities to learn, thrive and reach their full potential.
“Programs like Artists in Schools give students practical, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and encourage regular school attendance,” Minister Hersey said.
“When students are engaged in learning, they are more likely to attend school, build confidence and develop the skills they need for the future.”
Local mosaic artist Janie Andrews said students had embraced the creative process and taken great pride in contributing to a project that will be enjoyed for years to come.
“Watching the artwork take shape has been a rewarding experience. The students have been enthusiastic from day one and have really embraced the chance to create something together,” Ms Andrews said.
“Every tile tells part of the story, and it’s wonderful to see the students’ ideas coming together in a way that will be part of the school for many years to come.”
The Green Ant Mosaic Legacy Panels at Nemarluk School are expected to be completed in November 2026.
The Artists in Schools projects showcase the diversity of the Territory’s creative industries, with students exploring visual arts, filmmaking, music, digital media, clay, mosaics, dance and cultural storytelling.
The next round of grant applications for Artist in Schools opens in February 2027. Details available via Artists in Schools Grant | NT.GOV.AU here
The 13 funded schools and projects are:
Pine Creek School – Dream Impact – DJ Charly
Nhulunbuy High School and Yirrkala Bilingual School – Wild Clay Workshops
Milkwood Steiner School – Stepping Stone Mosaics
Acacia Hill School – Endless Possibilities at Acacia Hill School
Gray School – Gray Goes Disney
Wanguri Primary School – The Wanguri Primary School 50th Anniversary Community Mural – a mural celebrating the school’s history, values, diversity and connection to Country, guided by a professional Larrakia artist.
Tiwi College – Tiwi Mural Project
Nemarluk School – Green Ant Mosaic Legacy Panels
Nyirrpi School – Walpiri Theme Cycle Art in Schools Project
Yulara School – On Country Connection Yulara School Pavement Art
St John’s Catholic College – School Community and Cultural Mural
Casuarina Senior College – Filmmaking Project
Neutral Junction School – Mural & Mosaic Pathway
