Centralian secondary students to develop and curate exhibitions thanks to new VET course

A pilot program for a new certificate course for Centralian students is looking to make sure the Red Centre arts scene stays strong. Read out what the students will be learning.

The 14 students who will take part in the new course.

This November, 14 Centralian First Nations secondary students are set develop and curate their own exhibits as part of a new arts and culture VET course.

The new course, which is run by the Batchelor Institute of Tertiary Education, is the certificate II in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural arts industry work and is currently in the pilot stage.

According to NT Education, the course runs for 12 months and focuses on industry engagement and hands-on learning – with students set to be given an opportunity to learn from the Hermannsburg potters as part of a field trip, alongside hearing from leading First Nations arts industry workers.

The certificate program is also seeking to help support “the workforce pipeline for roles within the National Aboriginal Art Gallery, which is set to begin its construction phase this year,” according to the statement from NT education.

“By the end of this course, students will be job-ready, have a firm grasp on how the cultural arts industry works and understand future career pathways available to them in both the First Nations cultural arts and tourism sectors,” the statement said.

“The program reflects the journey of reform outlined by the secondary review to implement culturally responsive and meaningful learning to suit student aspirations for life beyond school.”

Department of Education senior director of secondary years and post-school pathways Sarnie Foley-Albutu said the department was committed to offering training to students that will help to grow the Central Australian workforce.

“Cultural arts and cultural tourism are key industries for the Central Australian economy. Growing young people’s understanding of career options while expanding their employability skills through this program provides a valuable opportunity for students,” she said.