ArtsReady
ArtsReady aims to provide training and employment opportunities for young people in the creative sector.
ArtsReady is delivered by AFL SportsReady and was established in 2013-14 to provide workplace training for young people to develop skills in the creative sector. The Australian Government provided A$3.4 million over four years in 2013-14 to establish the program. This program resulted in training and employment opportunities for around 400 young people. The provision of appropriate pastoral care and support for young people and enhanced Indigenous cultural awareness for employers were important elements of this project.
In 2018, the Australian Government is providing an additional A$200,000 to AFL SportsReady to deliver a new Indigenous Pathways Pilot utilising its existing infrastructure and networks through the ArtsReady program. The Pilot is designed to promote the attraction and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to the eight National Elite Performing Arts Training Bodies (ARTS8). This will be delivered across two designated areas Australian states (New South Wales and Victoria) to promote the interest and awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in pursuing a pathway into the ARTS8. This includes face-to-face Cultural Awareness Training delivered to ARTS8 senior staff to support the pilot. This will be a merit-based audition program with provision of best practice training and education.
- The provision of training and increased employment opportunities for young people in the creative sector.
- Enhanced cultural awareness of employers.
- The Australian Government provided A$3.4 million over four years in 2013-14 to establish the ArtsReady program.
- In 2018, the Australian Government provided a further A$200,000 for the Indigenous Pathways Pilot.
Reporting on performance was provided by AFL SportsReady Limited on an annual basis for assessment by the Department of Communications and the Arts. The program delivered strongly against the objectives, and whilst the uptake of traineeships was initially slow, this accelerated over time. The Program is now approaching engagement of 400th trainee, which is a remarkable achievement. The program is now self-funding and will continue without Australian Government funding into the future.