Indigenous students across the Riverina are flying high at a residential circus camp as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to arts education in regional areas. Minister for the Arts Frank Sartor said that 37 students are currently enjoying the four-day camp in Albury, led by NSW’s top youth circus company, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus.
“The Iemma Government has funded the camp through the ConnectEd Arts Strategy, which helps students and teachers from across NSW gain access to quality arts activities,” Mr Sartor said.
“This year, $460,000 in funding will allow around 31,000 students to participate in educational activities delivered by 27 leading arts organisations.
“The circus camp provides a unique opportunity for indigenous students to work with high-calibre artists and indigenous circus specialists.
“Based in Albury right here in NSW, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus is internationally recognised and committed to training and developing indigenous performers.
“Mr Sartor said students are learning about a variety of circus skills including juggling, trampoline, unicycle and trapeze.
“Another important focus of the camp is to provide a positive cultural development experience with the help of local Elders and an excursion to Wonga Wetlands, an important local indigenous site,” he said. “The National Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Dance Association is on hand to provide information about careers in the performing arts, while Metro Screen will run video production workshops and help students to make a documentary of the camp.”
Students, teachers and Aboriginal education assistants are attending from the following high schools; Gundagai, Hillston, James Fallon, Corowa, Albury, Tumut, Oaklands, Mt Austin, Wade, Balranald, Cootamundra, Wagga Wagga, Deniliquin, Lake Cargelligo, Narrandera and Young.