- Cook State Government supporting resident artists in WA schools
- Thirteen Creativity for Schools Residency initiatives awarded over $250,000 in funding
- New projects designed to enrich classroom learning through in-house arts projects
Western Australian schools are looking forward to sharing their classrooms with some of the State's most creative talent, thanks to an investment from the Cook Government.
Local artists and art organisations are connecting with students, teachers and school communities through the Creativity for Schools Residency program, which embeds artists into school environments.
The Cook Government has invested $251,558 in funding, supporting 13 different initiatives aimed at enriching learning through immersive in-house arts projects and experiences.
The program's Residency category has grants available up to $20,000 for projects that centre around bringing artists and students together in the classroom, fostering creativity and empowering students to transform their learning experiences.
The recipients of the Term 1 2025 Creativity for Schools Residency round are:
Perth
- Angela Rossen (Gidgegannup Primary School) - $20,000 for Living Soil and Woodland Project 2025;
- Balga Primary School - $20,000 for Together we belong: our stories in art;
- David Ledger (Emmanuel Christian Community School) - $20,000 for Our Community, Our Stories;
- Kids Camps Inc (Mount Hawthorn Education Support School) - $19,476 for Cahoots Hearts and Minds;
- Lyn Beazley Academy Ltd - $20,000 for Creative learning for critical thinking;
- Roseworth Primary School - $20,000 for Australian Botanicals with Olive Cheng;
- Sophia Lark (Westfield Park Primary School) - $19,984 for Inspiration, Engagement and Empowerment: environmental children's picture books in education; and
- West Beechboro Primary School - $19,967 for Junkadelic and West Beechboro Primary School sculpture and music project.
Kimberley
- Fitzroy Valley District High School - $20,000 for Bushrangers Art Project: boab nuts and on-Country.
Pilbara
- Baynton West Primary School - $20,000 for Story in paint: the Warrie sisters and Baynton West Primary School.
South West
- Cowaramup Primary School - $19,990 for Cowaramup Primary School performance creations.
Great Southern
- Albany Primary School - $16,180 for Creative learning residency with Mand Markey.
Wheatbelt
- Goomalling Primary School - $15,961 for Biosphere Boodja: connecting creativity with Country and conservation.
For more information on the Creativity for Schools program and recipients funded from this round visit www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/creative-industries-funding/creativity-for-schools
As stated by Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk:
"The Creativity for Schools program brings art experiences and education to classrooms across the State, incorporating creativity across curriculum areas that are essential to every child's educational experience.
"I'm proud to be supporting these fantastic projects, and congratulate the participating schools, artists and art organisations taking up this great opportunity."
As stated by Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"As a former primary school teacher of 27 years, I know creative learning is so important to helping students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and to express themselves.
"The Cook Government will continue to invest in initiatives that ensure Western Australian students have a variety of high-quality learning experiences.
"These arts projects support access, participation and engagement for students, helping teachers incorporate creative approaches into everyday learning."
