Art and Literacy Program

Proud Sponsors of Young Australian and Indigenous Art and Literacy Program

Impact Minerals is a proud sponsor of an important education initiative benefitting 5,000 students in schools across the Central West region. The Young Australian and Indigenous Art and Literacy Program was rolled out in remote parts of NSW three years ago. The program brings some of Australia’s leading authors and artists to schools to teach students how to write and illustrate books. The interactive workshops ensure children are developing new skills and have an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.

The Arts and Literacy program, set up by the Children’s Charity Network, is an important initiative for Indigenous children in remote areas and has achieved huge success in its first three years. The program was set up to improve learning outcomes for indigenous children through increased focus on reading, writing and art.

Impact has been involved with the charity for several years and is current sponsor for 2020-2021. The sponsorship provided by Impact Minerals ensures students from five schools in the Central West are benefiting from this program. These schools include Orange primary and high schools, Wellington primary and high schools and Molong Central School. Children involved in the program are also encouraged to enter the Young Australian Art Awards in Melbourne and every year the finalists are flown down to Melbourne to take part in the National Awards. This year Impact Minerals sponsored an indigenous Art Award at the prestigious ceremony which was won by Bestie Malibirr.

The Orange and Wellington Indigenous Communities play an important role in this program and work hard to ensure it is continued from year to year. The Program relies on sponsors like Impact Minerals to cover the cost of the author and illustrator workshops, all materials and books and entry to the Young Australian Art Awards. The program has proved extremely successful so far. Three years ago, the average attendance at some of the schools was less than 60% and is now up to more than 85%. Relations between students and teachers have improved and there’s also been a marked increase in outcomes for all children involved.

Impact Minerals is proud to be a sponsor the Young Australian and Indigenous Art and Literacy Program and recognises the important role educational initiatives like this play in the community. We look forward to continuing this relationship with the Children’s Charity Network and local schools in the future.