The Andrews Labor Government is investing more than $7.5 million into Victorian not-for-profit organisations to deliver innovative educational programs that enrich the learning experience of students across the state.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today announced the Art Gallery of Ballarat is among almost 80 organisations which will receive a share of the funding from Victorian Government’s Strategic Partnerships Program.

The fund is designed to help deliver student learning programs that are not normally available in traditional classroom settings and teacher professional learning programs to support the delivery of programs that enhance student outcomes.

Art Gallery of Ballarat will receive $100,000 to deliver a visual arts program designed to develop improved knowledge and practical skills in a range of areas across the F-10 visual art curriculum.

It will also develop tailored programs for VCE Art and Studio Art students, drawing on the extensive Art Gallery of Ballarat collection.

The program will include hands-on workshops where students focus on particular areas such as art-making, active art discussion and analysis, Australian history, Wadawurrung culture, creative writing and the arts industry. Through workshops, incursions/excursions, student conferences and webinars, this program will seek to reach 12,000 students and 220 schools per year. This program will also include a strong offering of online content and experiences to broaden its reach.

Programs funded through the Strategic Partnerships Program align with one or more of the Victorian Curriculum learning areas. and will support all Victorian students with exciting ways to learn, whether they excel at school or whether they are at risk of disengaging.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Congratulations to the Art Gallery of Ballarat on receiving $100,000 of funding through the Strategic Partnerships Program.”

“These creative programs which will draw on the Art Gallery’s iconic collection, will enrich student learning beyond the traditional classroom setting.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“The importance of educating through art cannot be underestimated – art teaches practical skills, inspires, and creates opportunities for both students and teachers.”

“I’m thrilled this program will bring many meaningful learning opportunities to thousands of students both in Ballarat and across Victoria.”

Quotes attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor Daniel Moloney

“The Art Gallery of Ballarat is one of our city’s proudest assets and this funding will help us share the wonders of the gallery with more students and open up new world of possibility for them.” 

“This funding is a wonderful boost to the Gallery’s education program, and I thank the state government for their contribution.”

Quotes attributable to Art Gallery of Ballarat Director Louise Tegart 

“We’ve always had a higher demand for our education programs than we can satisfy, and this extra funding means we can reach more kids than ever before.”

“Our education programs give students from all over the region a chance to develop valuable visual communication and artistic skills, so we are very pleased to be able to expand our reach with this investment.”