Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
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28 June 2024
In the National Gallery of Victoria, a group of students stopped to admire Liam Young’s ‘Planetary Redesign’ exhibit. It made them think: what if nature started to take over buildings?
‘What if?’ became the theme for young creative minds to explore in our out-of-school program SmArts Art Project. Hosted in partnership with RMIT University, students spent four days creating, collaborating, and discovering arts careers they might want to pursue.
‘What if?’ became the theme for young creative minds to explore in our out-of-school program SmArts Art Project. Hosted in partnership with RMIT University, students spent four days creating, collaborating, and discovering arts careers they might want to pursue.
All students deserve the chance to build the skills and confidence to pursue a career in the arts. But accessing creative subjects can be harder for students facing disadvantage. Thanks to your support, high school students like Ruby-Rose had the opportunity to access the networks, professional guidance and equipment that will help them to reach their potential.
“I’m a creative writer, but I like all art forms and feel expressing myself is important. These programs help develop my skills,” says Ruby-Rose.
SmArts showcases career paths in the arts so students can see what’s possible. The program helps provide the support all students need when starting to make post-school plans. After immersing herself in the program, budding artist Ruby-Rose has started thinking about one pathway in particular – attending RMIT University.
“This is my first time here at the university. It’s really impressive,” says Ruby-Rose. “The facilities and technology are unlike anything I could have imagined. And it’s given me pause to think about what might be in store in my future. I could definitely see myself here at RMIT when I’ve finished school”.
Thanks to generous donors like you, students taking part in SmArts can be inspired and mentored by professionals in the arts industry. Grace, a mentor from RMIT, encouraged students to work together on new ideas.
“To boost their thinking, students discussed ways to green cities, like green roofs and vertical gardens, inspired by the City of Melbourne,” Grace says.
In workshops, students used both digital and hands-on methods to bring their ideas to life. They created a collage spelling out “What if?”
“The SmArts Art Project shows the power of mixing art, life skills, and learning,” said Grace. “The Smith Family and RMIT are proud to give students a unique platform for creativity and growth.”
The program also inspired another participant Ebony to think of new ways to tackle environmental issues while exploring an arts-focused career.
“It’s important to have a voice because we are the future and will deal with these issues. Being creative let me think in my own way,” she reflects.
“Visiting RMIT and seeing the gallery made me confident to pursue something in the arts.”
Your support makes programs like SmArts possible for students like Ruby-Rose and Ebony, so they can have a wider view of what they can achieve. They’re looking forward to a bright future in a creative career. Thank you!
