Coffs Coast schools are invited to nominate students who have been hit hard by COVID or natural disasters to have a unique Hamilton experience, thanks to an initiative launched by the NSW Government.
For applications and criteria, visit https://www.artsunit.nsw.edu.au/ministers-opportunities/resilience-arts-program.
Tickets will go exclusively to performing arts students (years 10-12 in 2022) from regional and remote parts of the state, as well as from the hardest-hit LGAs in Sydney where students spent more than 100 days under the toughest lockdown conditions.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said this was an incredible opportunity for students who are interested in the arts to be in ‘the room where it happens’.
“I’m so happy to see our students who have had such a tough year get this really wonderful opportunity to re-engage with something they love. In addition to viewing the production, students will meet the cast and take part in several NIDA workshops, something I know drama students in my electorate will be really excited about,” Mr Singh said.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said students and their families had been through a really challenging 18 months, and for those who have experienced additional hardship, this was a chance for them to return to the theatre and be inspired.
“The story of Hamilton is not only the story of building a nation, it’s a story of overcoming hardship – something our students have been familiar with over the last 18 months,” Ms Mitchell said.
The Department of Education’s Arts Unit will select the students, with schools initially asked to nominate up to four students for the trip to Sydney for the Hamilton experience. Teachers are also invited to apply to accompany the students.
The Hamilton experience is the latest initiative from Minister Mitchell, aimed at helping rebuild arts in rural and remote school communities.
In addition, Coffs Coast schools impacted by natural disasters and the pandemic are encouraged to apply for the 2022 Minister’s Arts Recovery Grants.
Mr Singh said grants of up to $10,000 would be available to support arts-based projects for students who had been impacted by natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grants will be part of $700,000 to support students in affected communities through arts programs and initiatives including an arts based response to trauma.
For more information, visit https://www.artsunit.nsw.edu.au/ministers-opportunities/ministers-arts-recovery-grants
