$155,000 in Healthway sponsorships for AWESOME Arts and Yirra Yaakin
Developing creative talent combined with learning about healthy lifestyles
Programs reach young people in some of WA's most remote communities
Young people living in some of the most remote communities in Western Australia will benefit from two new Healthway sponsorships announced today by Health and Culture and the Arts Minister John Day.
AWESOME Arts Australia will receive $80,000 for its Creative Challenge Regional Residency Program 2017 promoting the Go for 2 & 5 healthy eating message, and Yirra Yaakin Aboriginal Corporation was awarded $75,000 for an Education and Community Engagement Program promoting Respect Yourself Respect Your Culture.
"Together, these exciting projects will use the arts to encourage and inspire young people in remote areas of WA to develop their creative talent, and to learn about the importance of a healthy lifestyle," Mr Day said.
Yirra Yaakin will use theatre performances to encourage Aboriginal children in regional, remote and some Perth communities to stay mentally and physically healthy through learning from Elders, being proud of their culture and keeping traditional language alive while connecting with country. Communities taking part in the performances include Mullewa, Badgingarra, Dongara, Kalgoorlie and Kwinana.
AWESOME Arts Australia will bring the Go for 2 & 5 message about choosing healthy foods, especially fruit and vegetables, to young people through an artists-in-residence program, in which some of Australia's best contemporary artists involve young people in creating their own art and telling their own stories. Communities to be visited include Punmu, Yandeyarra, Kunawarritji and Gascoyne Junction.
"These sponsorships will really inspire the young people involved to develop their creative talent and encourage them to incorporate healthy lifestyle decisions into their everyday lives," the Minister said.
"Through programs like these, WA can look forward in future to seeing many healthy, creative young artists showcasing their talents over a wide range of artistic mediums."
Minister's office - 6552 6200