The Victorian government's decision to put creative professionals in schools could be replicated in Canberra thanks to a trial program pitched by the Greens.
An adaptation of the Andrew's government's $8.6 million investment which will put creative professionals - such as writers, musicians, performers, artists, designers, musicians and filmmakers - in government schools next year, will be rolled out to provide jobs for 100 Canberrans.
ACT Greens arts spokesperson Jo Clay said the Victorian government program to put artists in government schools was a great idea.
"Ahead of the election, the ACT Greens proposed a similar scheme, the Canberra Creative Industries program," she said.
"We wanted to create 100 positions for local professional artists to work on a salaried basis in various capacities, including working in and with schools.
"I'm delighted to say that the ACT Labor-Greens Parliamentary and Government Agreement contains a trial version of this program."
Ms Clay said art was increasingly valued for its cross-disciplinary contributions and its support for mental health, physical health, education and social connection.
"This will support the Canberra community and create amazing art. It will also support artists, who find themselves in one of the most COVID-affected sectors."
The Greens have also pitched to continuing the Canberra Theatre Centre expansion and redevelopment project, introducing a new winter innovation and visual arts festival, upgrade Gorman House and the Tuggeranong Arts Centre.
READ ALSO:
-
'We'll face it head on': The generation coming of age amid a global crisis
-
'Unfair and unreasonable' demands: Contractor claims drivers well paid
- Australia must act on war crimes or Australians could end up in The Hague
A parliamentary inquiry into the state of Australia's arts sector held its first public hearings last week.
Communications and the Arts Committee Chair Dr David Gillespie said authors, artists, performers, musicians, arts advocates and academics will speak about their experiences of the past year, as well as their visions for the future, at the hearings.
"Although we are consuming, and perhaps appreciating, the arts more in light of COVID-19 and lockdowns, it has become much more difficult for those who create the content we are consuming so rapidly," Dr Gillespie said. "The Committee is keen to explore how we can move forward as a nation of artists and arts lovers."
