STUDENTS at Armidale’s Drummond Memorial Public School will benefit next year from NSW Government funding for an arts and cultural activities project.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall was at the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) last week to announce a grant of $12,667 which will go towards the school’s Project iD and build on its Strong, Smart and Deadly program.
The collaborative project, led by NERAM, will focus on the creativity and visual arts skills of 27 Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse students and help develop pride, self-confidence and co-operation.
The program will include excursions in Armidale and to Uralla and Walcha to view indigenous and non-indigenous public art.
“The project will culminate in the creation of a whole school collaborative artwork, a multicultural identity wall, developed and designed by the students for the school community,” Mr Marshall said.
“That process will give the students the opportunity to use new technologies to explore their identity.
“It will be delivered under the guidance of a museum educator, professional artists and a digital media artist and will include class talks from community leaders, artists and elders.”
NERAM Director Caroline Downer said the funding was “good news” and was delighted the museum staff would again have the opportunity to build and strengthen partnerships within the local community.
“In this case, it will be a collaborative project with Drummond Memorial Public School and its wider family, professional artists, civic leaders and elders,” she said.
“Exploring identity through art is a fun and inspiring approach to discovering more about our own values and beliefs in Australia today.”
