Education & Arts Ministers' Awards

2015 Recipients

Excellence in arts teaching and leadership at primary school level – Gail Carragher

As the R-7 Arts Specialist Teacher at Seaford Rise Primary School, Gail delivers a rigorous developmentmental program in all five areas of the Arts curriculum, bringing a wealth of experience, innovation and passion to her work. With a teaching career spanning over 30 years, Gail's training and experience in theatre, singing, painting and photography has enriched the learning of her students. Through the arts she has also engaged students in a range of opportunities including: Rock Eisteddfod, Waikikirri, The Festival of Music and Come Out.

For her professional learning Gail plans to attend the ‘International Conference on Communication, Visual and Performing Arts’ in Paris in April 2015. While in Paris Gail will extend her learning by visiting exhibitions and galleries such as the Pompidou Centre. Her experience will inform the school’s ‘Arts Round The world in 80 wayS’ program through the exploration and incorporation of digital technologies. A portion of her award funds will also be invested in this program.

As a committed arts practitioner I would greatly value being selected as the recipient of this award. It would facilitate professional learning and the shared collegiate opportunities for moving forward with the Australian Curriculum. Gail Carragher

Excellence in arts teaching and leadership at secondary school level – Judy Swan

Judy has been teaching dance in secondary schools for many years with the past four years at Mitcham Girl’s High School. Judy has been an integral member of many curriculum writing teams and is Chief External Assessor in dance with the SACE Board. Through her genuine love for dance Judy encourages students with minimal confidence in the art form to those who achieve merit standard.

Judy's professional learning will see her visit New York City during ‘New York Dance Week’ in June 2015. Organised for charitable and educational purposes, this event promotes the diversity of dance. Participating in dance classes and events will allow Judy to observe a range of teaching methods and strategies while visiting performing arts high schools will enrich and inspire her. A portion of her award funds will support an Aboriginal choreographer to work with the students at Mitcham Girl’s High.

I am committed to extending my skills and knowledge through ongoing professional development. The art of dance is part of who I am, not simply the subject I teach. Judy Swan

Success as an artist working with teachers and students – Meredith Russell

Meredith is a highly-skilled and experienced visual artist who has been working with children and young people in South Australian schools for more than 20 years.  Meredith has worked in a diverse range of schools and communities sharing her skills in ceramics, visual art, set design and construction, and costume making. She is currently working on a long-term residency at Lyndoch Primary School where Reception to Year 7 students are designing and making ceramic artworks inspired by the school’s garden project.

Meredith has a Masters in Visual Art and an Advanced Diploma of Live Design for Theatre and Events, and is committed to continually developing her skills and knowledge. For her professional learning Meredith will participate in a number of international arts opportunities including a two-week summer school at the London Slade School of Fine Arts and a one-week residential arts education program at Schumacher College in Devon. By selecting these two distinctly different areas of art Meredith will delve more deeply into life drawing and painting and expand her awareness of ecological approaches to art practice.

Art provides students with opportunities to interpret, analyse, make and communicate meaning in a cultural and historical context. To be part of this process is always rewarding and enriching. Meredith Russell

2014 Recipients

Excellence in arts teaching and leadership at primary school level – Alison Saunders

Alison Saunders is employed as a visual arts specialist at Littlehampton Primary School in the Adelaide Hills. She shares her passion for visual arts with Year 1 to 7 students, teaching a wide range of skills and techniques. Alison is also proactive in seeking opportunities for her students to engage with and learn from local professional artists.

Alison recently travelled to the United Kingdom and Europe where she visited galleries exhibiting original works by Impressionist artists. A significant highlight was a visit to Monet’s Garden where she saw the natural beauty that inspired his paintings. Alison also visited the National Gallery, The Courtauld Gallery, Tate Britain and the National Portrait Gallery in London and Musee de L’Orangerie, Musee D’Orsay, Musee Marmottan and Petit Palais in Paris.

In my teaching I encourage children to use colour as an integral part of all forms of creative expression, as it alone can influence and enhance a story. Having never seen such a wide collection of original Impressionist work, I feel much more confident to offer children alternative ways to use colour to deliver the message they want to impart in their visual art projects.  Thank you Carclew. Alison Saunders

Excellence in arts teaching and leadership at secondary school level – David McVicar

David McVicar has been teaching drama in secondary schools since the early 1980s and was employed as Drama Coordinator at Marryatville High School for 13 years. His passion for arts education is not only evident through the success of Marryatville’s growing body of drama students but also through his leadership in the development of the school’s innovative contemporary arts curriculum. David used his award funds to develop his skills as a drama educator through seeking inspiration and new approaches to actor training and contemporary design techniques.

David recently travelled to the United Kingdom and during his time there explored contemporary theatre practice at The Bristol Old Vic Acting School and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). The course at the Old Vic provided David with a great insight into the work that a higher education acting student undertakes. Providing unprecedented access to RSC actors, designers and directors, the RSC summer school was intellectually stimulating and inspiring.

At the end of my first year teaching I remember standing outside the RSC and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts dreaming about attending one of the world class theatre schools. Little did I know that I would attend not one but both of these schools in my final year of teaching. Thanks Carclew for bringing my dream to reality. David McVicar

Success as an artist working with teachers and students – Bridgette Minuzzo

Bridgette has been working as a professional freelance artist in schools and communities for over 16 years. Her arts practice focuses on large outdoor installations and she enjoys working collaboratively with students of all ages.

Bridgette recently expanded her visual arts practice to explore the creative possibilities of digital media. Artist residencies at Mawson Lakes School and Allenby Gardens Primary School are examples of her diversity and talents as a teaching artist.

Bridgette participated in a masterclass with internationally renowned artist Ruth Hadlow at the Sydney Biennale in early 2014, supported by her award. Her award also assisted Bridgette during her time as one of the first Artists in Residence at SAHMRI in Adelaide. Works created through this residency were exhibited during the 2014 South Australian Living Artists Festival. To complete her professional development Bridgette plans to visit a number of major galleries in Australia, including GOMA and MONA.

It has been an amazing experience to step out of my work space, travel interstate and experience installation, video works, Australian and International contemporary art first hand. I've been drinking it all in, keeping journals and feeling really inspired to make new work. In addition to viewing art, an art master class in Canberra, a creative business conference and a photography workshop have all added new skills and insights into my practice. Bridgette Minuzzo

2013 Recipients

Excellence in arts teaching and leadership at primary school level – Stephanie Wright

Stephanie Wright is currently working as a visual arts specialist at Prospect Primary School and is highly regarded as an outstanding artist, teacher and role model. Stephanie is an Arts Education leader in her school and provides mentoring and coaching to colleagues and students.

For her professional learning program Stephanie plans to attend the 2013 Arts Education Conference in Singapore. The conference will explore Arts Education and its relevance to daily living and will extend Stephanie’s knowledge in current arts classroom-based learning. Stephanie will apply her learning to continuous visual arts curriculum development within her school.

Excellence in arts teaching and leadership at secondary school level – David Carletti

David Carletti has been the Arts Coordinator at Parafield Gardens High School for 18 years and is valued as an inspirational Arts leader. With a commitment to ‘making a difference’ his role as teacher, leader and mentor has had a profound impact on colleagues and students.

For his professional learning program David plans to visit the 2013 Venice Biennale – the world’s premiere contemporary art exhibition - as well as the Museum of Modern Art and the Vatican Museum in Rome.  These experiences will provide David with inspiration and knowledge to bring different approaches to his visual arts teaching leadership roles.

Success as an artist working with teachers and students – Gus Clutterbuck

Gus has been a highly-regarded practising visual artist in South Australian schools and communities for a number of years. He believes that art can be a life-changing experience and is passionate about sharing his skills and knowledge with young people.

For his professional learning program Gus is investigating an internship with the Children’s Art Centre at the Queensland Art Gallery to observe and experience the Kids Asia Pacific Triennial Program first-hand. Gus is interested in the process of developing and producing unique arts workshop experiences for young people and this professional development opportunity will provide him with practical mentoring through working closely with high-profile international contemporary artists.

2012 Recipients

Excellence in arts teaching and leadership at primary school level – Irene Solowij

Highly-regarded as a classroom teacher at Settlers Farm Campus, Irene has taken responsibility for Expressive Arts and Visual Arts, from R-7 demonstrating leadership, expertise and advocacy. Irene has been proactive in promoting and celebrating the arts through her work with Come Out, Playfull, the Primary Schools Music Festival and Wakakirri. During 2012, Irene wishes to further her skills in the performing arts, and knowledge of the emerging arts curriculum through a wide variety of professional learning activities, both locally and nationally.

Excellence in arts teaching and leadership at secondary school level – Earle Kilvert
Valued as a mentor, role model and collaborator, Earle has been a passionate arts educator and leader at Marryatville High School for a number of years. He brings to his work a vast knowledge and understanding of the history of theatre and his “nothing is impossible” approach creates magic every time the curtains open on one of his student productions. For his professional learning, Earle will travel to the Edinburgh International Arts and Fringe Festival where he will experience a wide range of performances and venues, building knowledge to share with his students and colleagues.

Professional Learning Overview
In August 2012 Earle travelled to Denmark, Edinburgh, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina in the pursuit of professional inspiration and learning. His first stop was Aarhaus, Denmark where he spent time with Bodil Alling, the creative force behind proclaimed children's theatre company, Gruppe 38. Bodil, and members of the company exchanged ideas about theatrical problem solving and the creative process in building a production. 'The interplay of technological innovation and traditional narrative underpin the success of many of the company's programs.'

From Denmark, Earle spent time in Edinburgh attending a wide range of Fringe and Festival performances. From a stand-out Polish production of  '2008: Macbeth' to the physical intensity of Dangerologists 'Work Songs' Earle came away with a feeling that festival time in Edinburgh reaffirmed the importance of the arts in the life of a city.' His time in Sarajevo, a city shrouded in a tragic beauty, with its resilience and support for the arts was 'a living reminder of the healing power of the arts.'

'I am grateful for the empirical opportunities the award provided and the symbolic recognition of the work of arts teachers represented by the award.'

Success as an artist working with teachers and students – James Parker
James is a highly-skilled and versatile visual artist who has been working in schools, communities and the local film industry in South Australia over many years. James shares his love of drawing, collage, assemblage and found object art with the students he works with and is regarded as an outstanding arts educator. A highlight for James, during 2010 was the Big Draw Creative Education Partnership at Murray Bridge North Schools, which went on to win an international Drawing Inspiration Award (U.K.). For his professional learning, James will participate in a range of relevant international courses and experiences, serving as learning and inspiration for future collaborative arts projects.

2011 Recipients

Excellence in arts teaching and leadership at primary school level - Belinda Robertson

Belinda is a dynamic teacher and passionate promoter of the arts as a medium for the development of confidence and self-esteem in children. Belinda has been the Arts Coordinator at Allenby Gardens PS for three years. She has brought about significant change in the knowledge, skills and application of visual arts, dance and drama and raised the profile of the arts across the whole school. Belinda leads by example and has worked collaboratively to mentor her colleagues and empower them to feel confidence in teaching the arts.

Professional Development Overview
Selecting PD Option Two when nominating for an Award  allowed Belinda flexibility in developing her Professional Development program. In consultation with the Arts & Education Program Manager, at Carclew a series of PD activities kept Belinda busy over the 12-month period of her Award. There were three key actvities: Theatre Sports with performance-based artist Jeff Simmons; Hip Hop dance and choreography with dance artist and mentor Jade Erlandsen (Take the Floor); and video editing (dance clip) with Jade Erlandsen. These three activities varied in terms of models but all were strong examples of best practice in arts education and provided Belinda with mentoring and support.

'I was particularly interested in gaining a deeper understanding and skill base in teaching performing arts...I now feel more confident in teaching dance [and Theatre Sports]...the students increased their confidence in being creators and performers... I would like to thank Carclew and the Education and Arts Ministers' Award for providing me with the funding to take on such depth in arts professional development.'

Excellence in arts teaching and leadership at secondary school level - Penny McGuire

Penny was the Visual Arts teacher at Orroroo Area School, a small regional school 300km north of Adelaide at the time she was nominated for an Award. Since arriving in Orroroo, Penny strived to develop and provide an engaging, relevant and well planned arts curriculum which includes a multitude of creative activities and programs for both students and staff at the School. As well as having a keen interest in using ICT to enhance the arts, Penny was responsible for arranging for professional artists to visit the school and share their skills and experience with students.

Professional Development Overview
After some research and enquires from past and present students, Penny made the decision to study renaissance techniques during her professional development. She was fortunate to be able to negotiate a short 10-day course with the Director of a small Atelier in France that specialises in renaissance techniques.

Atelier Neo Medici Director, Gregory Pellizari, specialises in the techniques Mixte, a Renaissance approach to painting that combines tempera emulsion and oil paint to achieve a profoundly intricate level of detail and greater luminosity of color than oil paint alone can produce. Penny learned the recipes to use as well as history about how the masters and their apprentices developed their works. This information was invaluable to take back to her students.

While in Europe, Penny visited the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and several of the large galleries in Paris, including the Louvre. Since arriving home Penny has been able to give a demonstration to Stage 2 visual arts students at Seaford High School and the Year 9 students will be developing a still life using the techniques she learned during her PD in Europe.

‘Again thank you for this experience, my understanding of the Renaissance and the techniques the masters used was extremely limited before this trip. I cannot express how much knowledge I was able to gain and in turn pass this on to my students.’

Success as an artist working with teachers and students - Jeremy Watson

Jeremy Watson is a photo artist who has just completed a four-month arts in health project, entitled Images from the Edge. This project saw Jeremy sharing his extensive skill and professionalism with 40 primary and secondary students at Yalata Anangu, Koonibba Aboriginal, Ceduna and Streaky Bay schools. His experience has shown that photography can be an effective tool for building self-esteem and personal empowerment in young people.

Professional Development Overview
In 2011 Jeremy Watson visited New York City, United States with a professional development focus timed to take in a major retrospective by one of his favourite photographers - Elliot Erwitt.  Jeremy visited photography galleries and exhibitions, art galleries and museums, and shot a body of work comprising architecture and street photography with a high resolution compact camera.

A highlight of the experience was his visit to the Ground Zero 1945 Exhibition at the International Centre for Photography - ‘This was a very moving exhibition. Having recently worked on two participatory photography projects in Outback South Australia with a strong historic focus, I drew a lot of inspiration on new ways to present collections of original works with a strong chronological theme, for future projects.’

Jeremy learned much from his visit to New York and the experience will certainly influence his professional practice and provide practical methodologies as well as inspiration for his future work in communities and with young people.

Photo Gallery: to the right you can see a small selection of photographs of New York streets and architecture that have been exhibited at the Odeon Theatre, Carclew and Café Paradiso.