Page 2812 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 12 August 2015
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Step into the limelight
MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for Disability, Minister for Racing and Gaming and Minister for the Arts) (9.35): I stand briefly to put on record my admiration and respect for all those artists, performers and other creatively minded students who were involved in this year’s step into the limelight program.
I would like to commend the music director, Naida Blackley, the production manager and artistic coordinator, Cheryl Diggins, the art exhibition curator, Renee Newton, the film festival curator, Fiona James, the dance coordinator, Hiria Reppion, and the stage manager, Danuta Mrowka, who make this fantastic event happen so that our many students can display their talents to the community through painting, sculpture, film, dance and music.
Step into the limelight provides a wonderful opportunity for students to grow and develop within the arts and present their work in a professional setting, with this year’s art exhibition at the ANU School of Art, the film festival at the Palace Electric Cinema and the gala performance at the AIS arena.
Over 2,000 students from over 60 public schools participated in this year’s events—more than double the size of the first production back in 2007. This growth confirms the program’s significant reach and contribution showcasing the arts in ACT public schools, and the outstanding commitment of students, teachers, parents and local community organisations to the program.
I was fortunate enough to be able to attend this year’s art exhibition launch at the ANU. This year’s exhibition features over 400 works from 30 different schools, from preschool to year 12 students. There is clearly a great deal of talent in our schools. Indeed Denise Ferris, head of the ANU School of Art, commented to me that she had her eye on a number of rising artists who she hoped would continue with their passion through to university and beyond. I should also like to give a big shout out to the talented musicians from Canberra High School, under the direction of Eileen Currie, who provided entertainment during the launch event.
Seeing these works this year and knowing the many talented artists, musicians, actors and others, I know that the artistic community in this city, this region and nationally will be well served by the graduates from ACT public schools for many years to come.
Once again congratulations to all the students and the teachers who make step into the limelight such a fantastic event. They should be rightly proud of their work, as I am rightly proud that they are showcasing ACT public education.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
The Assembly adjourned at 9.38pm.
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