Message from the Arts Minister

TARA CHEYNE MLA

As educators, you know that theatre brings joy, curiosity, and valuable learning opportunities to young audiences.

Canberra Theatre Centre’s Education program in 2023 is unmissable. After a pause on excursions in recent years, this is the perfect time to welcome your students back into the world of theatre for some inspiration.

We have an ambition for Canberra to be recognised as Australia’s arts capital, and key within this goal is the creation of programs that ensure that the next generation can experience the unique joy of attending live performance.

The importance of arts education has never been more apparent, with Australian and international research1 revealing that students who engage in quality arts experiences are more likely to achieve better grades, have higher-order thinking skills and increased motivation than those who do not.

Canberra’s arts, culture and creative industries are strong, and this is reflected in the quality and diversity of offerings at Canberra Theatre Centre this coming year. The 2023 program at Canberra Theatre Centre welcomes the return of students to the theatre, with 11 productions from across Australia, including beloved classic Australian stories, live music, physical theatre, and political dramas.

Canberra Theatre Centre’s Creative Learning team continues to be a leader in Arts Education through their numerous opportunities for further learning, including Work Experience, the Vocational Education and Training program for Certificate III in Live Production & Services (CUA30415), and the return of the beloved ACT UP! Festival for its ninth year.

I am proud to support this program that ensures creative experiences for Canberrans at all levels and fosters a love for the arts that will last a lifetime, and I hope you and your students can make the most of it in 2023.