New Education and the Arts Strategy for Australia

IFACCA/Artshub,
16 April 2004, Australia

Central to its commitment to expanding the role of the arts in education, the Australia Council has released its draft National Education and the Arts strategy, the first of its kind for the country. The draft strategy has been developed by the Council in consultation with the National Education and the Arts Network, made up of representatives from each state, territory and Australian government department responsible for education and/or the arts. The document outlines long-term Australia Council commitment to fostering an environment in which the arts are an integral part of every Australian child's education, according to Australia Council CEO Jennifer Bott. 'The link between education and the arts not only improves the quality of learning, but the quality of life itself - from the personal, to the family, community, to regional life, and to the life of the nation. Australians seem to agree - in a 2001 survey, 85 per cent of people interviewed said they wanted the arts to play a central role in the education system,' said Ms Bott. The Australia Council is now seeking input to inform the next phase of the strategy's development, in preparation for implementation during the three-year period 2004-2007. The strategy will be implemented in partnership with the Australian, state and territory governments to ensure sustainable delivery of education and the arts activities throughout the country. To access the draft strategy document, CLICK HERE.