Why we need to come together to build a creative future
Hopefully, when you look back, you can pinpoint at least one time where you successfully faced a childhood challenge creatively, and so made a positive difference for yourself and those around you. Without these kinds of formative experiences a child can grow into adulthood lacking the confidence to face adversity, and the hope to build a brighter future.
The cities of Dandenong and Whittlesea are some of the most disadvantaged in Victoria. The financial and social circumstances experienced by families in these areas make it a real challenge for them to find the means to develop the real creative and artistic talents latent in their children. It is vitally important to develop the creative capacity of our primary school kids so that they can enjoy a confident and creative future and feel better equipped for any challenges that hard social and economic realities throw at them.
How Future Foundations works
Future Foundations works with these children from disadvantaged backgrounds through creativity and art to develop their confidence and realise their talents and capabilities, so that they can make a positive contribution to our community.
Mentors help the the children to develop a creative idea which becomes a realised project over a three month period, culminating in an exhibition at Federation Square and in their community. The aim is to build confidence, capacity and connection for the participants, by providing them with a safe space to work with skilled artists (which their parents could otherwise facilitate).
Our impact
Teachers and parents have consistently reported significant positive change for their children and students in the program in the key areas of school attendance, confidence, as well as greater involvement and engagement with other children. Out of our program 10% or more the children take on leadership roles in their schools or communities as a result of our workshops.The program provides strong foundations for later personal and professional development and overall participant wellbeing.
A word from Future Foundations Board member and Principal of Noble Park Primary
“Noble Park Primary School was very fortunate to be invited to partner with Future Foundations. The students had opportunities to explore and enhance their considerable artistic skills in an environment which was both nurturing and professional. The quality of the work the students produced was outstanding. Our students would never have the chance to access the highly skilled and committed business and artistic mentors without Future Foundations. It has made a difference in their lives, which they and their parents have articulated. While I thank all concerned, knowing that those who gave so much would attest to the reciprocity in the learning process, gained from working with the best people in our society- our youth.”
- David Rothstadt, Noble Park Primary School Principal