Getting ConnectEd: Indigenous students inspired by connection between music, creativity and culture

45 Indigenous students from 12 remote Western NSW schools took part in a residential music camp as part of the ConnectEd Arts program,Warumbungles National Park.

The strong connection between music, Indigenous story telling and cultural knowledge was highlighted by the remarkable quality of music composed by students over the 5 day camp.

Students recorded their compositions onto CD and performed their work to over 250 school students and community members at a concert held in Coonabarabran.

Photo: Clive Cavanagh Photo: Uri Auerbach

ConnectEd Arts is a NSW government arts and education strategy funded by Arts NSW and initiated in partnership with the Department of Education and Training.

The aim of the ConnectEd Arts strategy is to enhance the valuing of arts in schools and school communities by:

• providing disadvantaged school students with opportunities to access quality arts experiences
• offering professional development opportunities to creative arts teachers
• supporting arts organisations and artists to better engage with the education sector.

 All ConnectEd Arts programs are fully subsidised by Arts NSW and provided to participants free of charge.

Since its inception in 2004, over 45,000 primary and secondary students and teachers, including from some of the state’s most remote schools, have been involved in various elements of the strategy. Over 200 artists and arts organisations have also participated in professional development experiences and engaged with the education sector through the ConneectEd Arts program.

ConnectEd Arts is a joint initiative of the Department of the Arts, Sports & Recreation and the NSW Department of Education & Training.