State Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp announced Kaiela Arts Shepparton would be one of almost 80 not-for-profit organisations across Victoria to receive funding, as part of a state government $7.5 million investment into innovative educational programs.
Kaiela Arts program Galnyatj! Inspire, Learn Create Art teaches students about First Nations art and provides new perspectives on Australian history and environment, as shown and presented by First Nations artists in their art, writing and ideas.
“The program survived two years through the COVID-19 pandemic, and we hope it can be renewed with vigour over the next two years,” Kaiela Arts education co-ordinator Rhonda Chrisanthou said.
The program supports Foundation to Year 10 curriculum, aiming to reach 1000 students and 18 schools per year across Yorta Yorta land including in Cohuna, Echuca, Rochester, Shepparton, Cobram, Wodonga, Benalla and beyond.
Annually, the program hopes to deliver 40 workshops, 20 incursions and 20 excursions.
“The next reiteration of Galnyatj! Inspire, Learn Create Art will build on the strengths of our primary school offerings by providing fresh material for secondary school incursions as well,” Ms Chrisanthou said.
“We look forward to working with schools in northern Victoria on Yorta Yorta Country.”