$1.6 million in funding towards mentally healthy arts programs
The State Government will provide $1.6 million in the latest round of health grants to 15 arts organisations across the State to help promote mental health and wellbeing within annual arts programs.
- $1.6 million in mental health grants will fund annual arts programs up to three years
- Healthway grants to promote Act-Belong-Commit health message through the arts
The funding will help promote and integrate the Act-Belong-Commit health message through the programs to increase awareness for children, young people and families on how to maintain good mental health.
Barking Gecko Theatre Company is one organisation which will receive $270,000 over the next three years to inspire children and young people to live healthy lives through programs such as the Gecko Ensembles.
The Gecko Ensembles program — theatre skills workshops in metropolitan and regional WA — helps to build participants' confidence, their ability to work in a team and connect with their creativity beyond school and amongst friends.
Over the coming three years, the program will be expanding to outer metropolitan areas such as Thornlie, and regional locations such as Kalgoorlie and Albany, employing local artists to reach more children and young people.
The State Government, through Healthway, works with funded organisations to create healthy activities and events, and promote healthy lifestyles.
Arts organisations receiving funding to promote Act-Belong-Commit health message:
- $225,000 Southern Edge Arts, Annual Program 2020-2022
- $240,000 The Contemporary Dance Company, CONNECT Program 2020-2022
- $249,000 ART ON THE MOVE, Engagement Program 2020-2022
- $45,000 Musica Viva, Annual School Program 2020
- $270,000 Barking Gecko Theatre Company, Gecko Ensembles Program 2020-2022
- $120,000 Theatre Kimberley Inc., Youth Program 2020-2022
- $150,000 Ballet Workshop Incorporated, Annual Program 2020-2022
- $50,000 Western Australia Youth Orchestra, Community Outreach Program 2020
- $40,000 WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Association, Education Program 2020
- $68,000 Australian Dance Council — Ausdance (WA Branch), Lifelong Dance Program 2020
- $25,000 Undalup Association, Undalup Bunuru Festival 2020
- $25,000 Silver Threads Band Inc., Making Music is Fun 2020
- $32,000 WA Circus School Incorporated, Circus Performance and Outreach Program 2020
- $25,000 West Australian Ballet, Performances for Schools Program 2020
- $75,000 Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, 2020 Community and Education Program Partner