Western Australian schools are set to benefit from a fresh wave of creative learning projects, following the Cook Government’s $381,612 investment in arts-based education. The funding, part of the state’s ongoing Creativity for Schools initiative, aims to bring professional artists and arts organisations directly into classrooms across both regional and metropolitan areas.
Seven new projects will share $362,411 from the 2025–26 Collaboration program, while a further $19,201 will go towards a Residency project. Together, these initiatives will connect students and teachers with experienced artists, using creative methods to enhance learning in subjects beyond the traditional arts curriculum.
Residency grants of up to $20,000 allow artists to work within schools for around 25 days, offering sustained engagement with students. Collaboration grants, capped at $60,000, are designed to link schools with WA-based creative organisations and practitioners, supporting projects that weave artistic thinking into broader areas of study.
The latest funding round will see diverse projects come to life, including Morawa District High School’s partnership with Geraldton’s Karloo Rockers to create a school song in Wajarri language, and Australian Baroque’s The Sounds of Esperance initiative. Other supported collaborations include Sensorium Theatre’s sensory story development, Angela Rossen’s Living Wetland biodiversity survey, and A Stitch in Time’s songwriting project Rhyme & Reflect. Breaksea, artist Fleur Schell, and the Fremantle Biennale will also receive funding for their respective school-based collaborations.
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk said the program was about investing in the state’s future thinkers and innovators. “This funding ensures that children and teachers in regional and metropolitan schools alike can benefit from creative learning,” she said. Education Minister Sabine Winton added that embedding creativity across education helps prepare young people for a rapidly changing world.
More details about the funded projects and the Creativity for Schools program can be found here.
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