- Queensland based arts touring service providers are now sought to enhance access to high quality arts experiences for schools and kindergartens in regional and remote communities.
- This new opportunity focusses on ensuring that children and young people within communities across the state can engage with rich arts-led learning experiences that support their social, cultural and educational wellbeing.
- This initiative will also invest in the professional development of teachers and artists to support arts enriched learning outcomes.
Procurement is now underway to deliver a renewed focus on schools touring that will support access to curriculum-connected arts and cultural experiences, including the sharing of First Nations stories and cultures, for students in rural and remote Queensland.
Queensland-based suppliers are invited to provide schools touring and professional development services in regional and remote Queensland across four areas.
- Far North Queensland, Cape York and Torres Strait
- North and Northwest Queensland and Gulf
- Central West and Western Queensland
- Southwest Queensland.
Queensland Government is also seeking services from suppliers to deliver an online platform to support educators search for, and access, arts and education products and services.
This platform will also help connect schools and kindergartens with artists, arts organisations and Elders delivering curriculum-connected activity locally or across Queensland.
The new approach to schools touring will sit alongside Arts Queensland’s Touring Queensland Fund which invests in single and multi-year tours, and accompanying workshops and school programs focused on dance, drama, music, visual arts and theatre.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts, Hon Leeanne Enoch MP:
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring young Queenslanders in kindergartens and schools can access high quality arts and cultural experiences no matter where they live and learn.
“We know that active engagement with arts and culture enhances learning outcomes including critical and creative thinking, social and cultural capital and self-efficacy.
“A new approach to schools arts touring services will help boost our children and young people’s access to dynamic arts experiences, to share our stories and strengthen creativity for the next generation.
“This is also an exciting opportunity for Queensland-based companies, especially those who are already experienced in touring or working with schools, to grow their capacity and business and build markets in regional and rural Queensland.
“It also will grow employment opportunities for local artists, artworkers and Elders by enhancing their connections into learning environments.
“Investing in schools touring is a key action of Grow 2022-2026, the second action plan of the Queensland Government’s 10-year roadmap for arts, cultural and creativity, Creative Together 2020-2030.
Quotes attributable to Dr John Nicholas Saunders Chair, National Advocates for Arts Education
“Extensive research from both Australia and overseas has shown the many benefits of arts experiences on students’ learning. Unfortunately, students in regional and remote areas of Queensland miss out on the rich cultural opportunities available to their urban peers, particularly live performance.
“It is wonderful to see Arts Queensland is seeking to procure dedicated services that will bring high-quality and affordable arts experiences to young people and their teachers, tailored to the needs of their school community.
“This initiative will also provide teachers with professional learning opportunities, enhancing their confidence in delivering arts curriculum throughout the year as well as using the arts to enhance other curriculum areas.”
