NOVA Employment and the NSW Department of Education’s Arts Unit have formed a partnership to nurture and promote the creative and artistic capabilities of students with disability.
Through The Arts Unit’s Connections Program, a range of inclusive teaching, learning and performance opportunities in dance, drama, music, visual arts, film and literary arts are being offered to teachers and students from Kindergarten to Year 12.
NOVA Employment CEO, Martin Wren, pictured with NOVA Transition to Work participants, has long understood the importance of the arts in education to encourage confidence and build social skills which carry through to when school leavers are preparing to enter the workforce.
“We are excited to be involved with the Connections Program and its initiatives,” he said. “This sponsorship is a small way in which we can contribute to the education of these young people, and better prepare them for their transition into the workforce.”
The inaugural Connections Showcase is an online exhibition of creative, performing, digital and literary artwork from public school students with disability across NSW. The project provides a new and innovative way to connect students, staff and schools as they create work in response to the stimulus found in objects.
“The Connections Showcase has engaged families and school communities that understand the importance of supporting and motivating students with disability and providing a platform for their voice to be heard through the arts,” The Arts Initiatives Advisor, The Arts Unit, Sonja Sjolander said. “The showcase is an authentic celebration of achievement, and we are proud to be sharing the students’ work with the public from October 4, 2021.”
Wren founded the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival 13 years ago, to highlight the abilities of students with disability and change the attitudes of fellow students by focusing on students’ achievements rather than their disability.
For more information visit the Connections program. Students, teachers and parents may also be interested to learn more about NOVA’s Transition to Work.