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About our Schools Program
About

With access to performance spaces and changing exhibitions alongside the support of artists in residence and an Indigenous Advisory Group, the Footscray Community Arts Schools Program offers a unique, engaging and culturally safe learning opportunity for students.  

Our site-based approach to learning encourages students to strengthen critical and creative thinking skills and apply these thinking strategies to relevant and contemporary matters. Students uncover the history, present and possible future of their communities through artist-led site exploration and art making. Each excursion embeds First Nations histories, perspectives and living cultures into learning, include pre-visit resources and target ethical, social, and intercultural capabilities.  

Our excursions: 

  • Engage Critical and Creative Thinking & Ethical Capabilities 
  • Embed First Nations history and perspectives in learning 
  • Inspire self-confidence and student activism 
  • Art making activities led by Artists
  • Promote sustainable practices and environmental health 
  • Are Indigenous Advisory Committee approved and supported 

 

Learn more about our Commitment to Child Safety

School Workshops, 2022. Photographed by Gianna Rizzo.


Educational Workshops

Tell Your Story!

Exploring Personal Narratives (F-10):

From First Nations to migrant community members, this excursion introduces students to the many histories and perspectives of the people who call Footscray home. See the many ways in which stories are shared and how they can enhance community spaces. Students consolidate learning through a creative workshop, where they explore their own personal narrative.  

This excursion includes a free resource for a self-guided tour of the Footscray Market and its surrounds (suitable for students L5-9). To access this resource, please email our team at schools@footscrayarts.com.

Cost: $500 for a class of 30 students. 
Duration: 2 hours 

Curriculum and learning areas:
History, Civics and Citizenship, Geography, Visual Arts, English, Personal histories, Appreciation of diversity of gender, age, language, culture, and religion.
*Schools with <1000 SFOE ranking are eligible for subsidised rates.  

School Workshops, 2022. Photographed by Gianna Rizzo.

Climate Action

Environmental Care and Awareness (F-10):

The complexity of climate change can be overwhelming for young Australians. This program is designed to empower students who, without choice, are at the frontline of climate action. Through a deeper understanding of our environment, First Nations perspectives on caring for country and the acts that we can take to preserve environmental health, this program is designed to empower students to express their thoughts, fears about the natural world. Students apply their learning in an artist-led creative workshop, where they explore solutions to environmental issues. 

Cost: $500 for a class of 30 students. 
Duration: 2 hours 

Curriculum and learning areas:
Design and Technology – Factors influencing design decisions, Civics and Citizenship, Geography, Visual Arts, English, Place and liveability, Environmental change and management. 

*Schools with <1000 SFOE ranking are eligible for subsidised rates.  

School Workshops, 2022. Photographed by Gianna Rizzo.


Community Collaborations

We have delivered many funded, community-engaged learning projects in collaboration with local artists and schools. 

During 2018-2021, we were a recipient of the Strategic Partnerships Program grant from the Department of Education and Training. We partnered with local organisation 100 Story Building to deliver learning experiences which were tied to our artistic program as well as VELS, to over 1000 students from Melbourne’s West.

In 2020, with the Creative Learning Partnerships grant, we collaborated with The Indirect Object and Western English Language School to produce a student-led exhibition and learning resources, Neon Stories. You can find out more by watching the videos below.

This program is proudly supported by The Department of Education’s Strategic Partnerships Program.

Collaborate with us

If you’re keen to create engaging student experiences with us, submit an enquiry form or email schools@footscrayarts.com.

Get in touch

Tell us about your school by submitting an enquiry form or emailing schools@footscrayarts.com

Submit an enquiry