focusinterview. Pictured: Pam Milne, Mitch Van der Veer, Bridget Purtill, Annabelle Sneddon and Linden Duke.
EDUCATION @Glasshouse Program
The Glasshouse and Coastline Credit Union have forged an exciting partnership to ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of the Education @ Glasshouse Program throughout the next few years. Glasshouse Venue Manager Pam Milne and Coastline Credit Union’s Creative Strategies Officer Annabelle Sneddon share the details …
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Pam Milne
Venue Manager, Glasshouse
i Pam. What led to the Glasshouse and Coastline Credit Union forming a partnership for 2020's Education Program? Hello Jo, and thank you for the opportunity to share this exciting news with your readers. The Glasshouse is actively seeking opportunities to partner with organisations who are passionate about supporting cultural initiatives within our local community. We were absolutely delighted when the team at Coastline Credit Union approached us and offered to support the Education @ Glasshouse Program. How did you see this partnership benefiting the program? As Principal Partner 2020-2023, Coastline Credit Union is offering a significant level of support, which not only ensures the long-term sustainability of the Education Program, but also assists in funding new initiatives which will help us extend the program, increase participation by schools and benefit more students. The Education Program offers so much content across both the gallery and theatre spaces next year. What are some of the upcoming activities you're most excited about? That’s a really tough question! There’s an incredible array of curriculum aligned productions, exhibitions, workshops and tours on offer to our pre-schoolers and students K - 12. If I had to pick … Junkyard Beats is a high energy, imaginative music-in-education performance combining drumming, dance, theatre and comedy. It’s an exciting way to learn about sustainability when unwanted household
junk is transformed into extraordinary musical instruments! The Stencil Art Prize exhibition will be edgy, political and cheeky, featuring artworks by 66 finalists from across the globe. It also brings a unique opportunity to our region; Port Macquarie-Hastings Schools will be invited to submit Expressions of Interest to the mural project, and the winner will develop a mural design for a wall space at their school. It's interesting to see the Education Program not only offers content for students (on site AND within schools) - but for teachers as well. Why do you feel this is important? Over the past 10 years, the Glasshouse has forged strong relationships with our local schools through engaging with the teachers to understand their needs. Providing professional development opportunities for them to learn more about the arts with educators from Australia’s leading cultural institutions is a win-win for everyone - the teachers, students and our community. Delivering these types of opportunities is a key strategic focus for the Glasshouse. How do local schools access the Education Program events/masterclasses? Education bookings are made directly with the Glasshouse; you can view the 2020 program and download booking forms on our website: glasshouse.org.au/Education/Book-planyour-visit Alternatively, call the Glasshouse Box Office on (02) 6581 8888 and request an Education booklet; we can send you all the information. Thanks Pam.
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Annabelle Sneddon
Creative Strategies Officer, Coastline Credit Union i Annabelle. What led to the establishment of the partnership between Coastline Credit Union and the Glasshouse for the 2020 Education
program? Hi Jo; thank you for having me. Coastline are well aware of the important role education plays within society. Giving regional students access to the unique and innovative events hosted within the Education @ Glasshouse Program will encourage creative learning and foster imagination. The National Education and the Arts statement says: “Creativity in education is a necessity, nurturing imagination and curiosity - two vital elements that can drive learning for us all,” and this statement is something we are 100% behind. How do you feel this partnership will benefit both parties? The partnership between Coastline and the Glasshouse mutually complements our commitments to our local communities. The partnership presents the opportunity for both to build positive relationships with our local schools and highlights our dedication to support education outside of the classroom and within the broader community. How important is it to Coastline Credit Union to be involved with the local community? As Coastline is customer-owned, we're big on helping our community. Community engagement makes up a large part of our DNA, with our heritage based on a deep commitment to our local communities. Coastline supports over 40 local community
groups and organisations across the Macleay, Hastings and Manning Valleys through our Community Engagement Program. Five per cent of our yearly net operating profits are injected back into the local community through our Community Foundation. We endeavour to make a conscious effort to support those who support us. What's the most exciting thing for you personally helping to support a program of this calibre and scope? The team behind the Education @ Glasshouse program delivers a wide range of creative learning opportunities for students in our region. The access to these shows and workshops is especially unique, as it gives rural and regional students the chance to immerse themselves in educational experiences in a context that is usually only offered in urban areas. The Glasshouse is bringing educational shows to life, including staple Australian household favourites Edward the Emu and Magic Beach. Coastline is excited to provide financial support to assist with costs directly associated with accessing the Education @ Glasshouse program, allowing more schools to participate in the unique and creative events hosted within the program. Thanks Annabelle. For more information, visit Coastline Credit Union at: Coastline.com.au Interviews: Jo Robinson. Greater Port Macquarie focus 59