Growing Future Innovators
PICA has been working with Edith Cowan University's CREATEC (the centre for research in entertainment, the arts and technology) and Faculty of Education and Arts, together with the Fogarty Foundation and Artsedge (Department of Culture & the Arts with the Department of Education & Training) in a research project called Growing Future Innovators.It is a project that examines how contemporary arts organisations (like PICA) can deliver 'next practice' schools education programs that encourage and promote innovation - and not just in the arts but potentially across all disciplines.
The Federal Government and the Australian business sector are currently grappling with how we, as a nation, can build a creative workforce, adept at risk-taking and problem solving and with a desire for life-long learning. The types of contemporary arts practices that organisations like ours deal with on a daily basis are inherently innovative, often cross-disciplinary and frequently challenge us to think outside the square. They provide a potent medium through which to education young people.
An intended outcome of this project is the creation, discussion and public dissemination of guidelines, exemplars, and rationales for how arts organisations and schools, in Australia and beyond, can work together to grow future innovators.
In doing this, our research partnerships address the following needs:
- Building the creative workforce
- Placing contemporary arts in the innovation debate
- Pioneering systems of innovation for arts and education institutions
- Developing metrics in arts education research
We are still in the early stages of the project, but it has already involved a detailed review of local, national and international policy relating to arts, education and innovation. Case studies of best practice schools education programs presented by contemporary arts organisations around the world are underway and consultation has begun with the Education sector. These elements will inform the development of a pilot program to be delivered by PICA in the near future to a number of metropolitan and regional primary and secondary schools here in WA. The program will allow students to directly engage with professional artists and the latest in contemporary arts practices (including those in dance, theatre, music, visual arts and new media). It will be carefully monitored and its impact and effectiveness evaluated over a number of years.
Phase 1 - Generously supported supported by The Fogarty Foundation
