By NICOLE VALICEK
A NEW contemporary arts program that will target schools across the greater western metropolitan region will be launched for the first time this year.
The Substation in Newport has secured funding for the arts education program that will be the first of its kind offered in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs.
The program will see The Substation develop a range of education activities linked to schools curricula and based around The Substation Gallery program, as well as theatre and contemporary music outcomes.
The program will be promoted to both secondary and primary schools throughout the Western Suburbs.
The Substation’s director Jeremy Gaden said its goal was to become a significant contemporary arts centre servicing the greater western region of Melbourne.
The program will stretch from the inner-west suburbs of Footscray, Yarraville and Seddon to the western growth corridor of Point Cook and Wyndham and as far as Melton.
“This means that for the first time, students from these schools will have access to, and be able to learn from contemporary art in their own neighbourhood.”
“It provides the opportunity for The Substation to bring quality arts education to hundreds if not thousands of school children across the Western Suburbs,” he said.
The Substation Education and Public Programs, which secured funding from a number of sources, will kick off in July and August and run as a pilot program for 12 months.
“The long-term hope is that with positive outcomes from this pilot program, The Substation will be able to secure funding to continue to run and expand the education program in the future.”
Mr Gaden said the program was about encouraging kids to think creatively and be stimulated so the next generation of students from Melbourne’s West can have positive outcomes for their future.
If you are involved in a school in Melbourne’s West and would like more information contact The Substation info@thesubstation.org.au.
