From virtual theatre to online music programs to an interactive history app, Victorian students and teachers in remote locations are set to benefit from Australia’s first virtual creative school residencies program.
Earlier this month, Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley announced $150,000 for six pioneering projects that will support students in regional and remote areas to connect and collaborate with creative practitioners across Victoria using online tools and platforms.
A partnership between Creative Victoria and the Department of Education and Training, Virtual Creative Professionals in Schools is a pilot aiming to provide Victorian students in remote locations with access to the highest quality creative and learning experiences.
The supported projects, which will run across 2016 and the first half of 2017, will teach students and teachers new creative skills – from theatre making, to animation, song writing, storytelling and 
sculpture – while also providing training in the use of the latest technologies.
Schools participating in the program include:
- Swifts Creek School – partnering with artist Michael Prior
- Wodonga Flexible Learning Program – partnering with music organisation APRA AMCOS
- Lismore Primary School – partnering with Glen Walton and Cayn Borthwick
- Distance Education Centre Victoria – partnering with Melbourne Theatre Company
- Horsham College – partnering with Australian Centre for Moving Image (ACMI)
- Woodford Primary School – partnering with Olivia Guntarik
The supported projects will use the online programs and software currently being used by Australian creative practitioners to share their work and collaborate virtually with other artists and businesses across the globe.
