City of Whittlesea schools now have the opportunity to apply for a spot in the School Support Program.
Backed by Sandhurst Retail and Logistics and set to run for three consecutive years, the program will seek to provide 2100 students the opportunity to visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and access NGV programs at no cost.
Programs will include incursions with NGV educators visiting schools for workshops, excursions to the NGV with interactive gallery tours of the NGV Collection, art-making activities in NGV learning studios, and professional learning for teachers.
As part of their development of neighbouring retail centres in Botanic Ridge, Sunbury, and Wollert, Sandhurst Retail and Logistics Chief Executive Vivek Subramanian noted it was important to support local communities.
“We take a holistic approach to our projects. It’s not just about delivering a shopping centre or business park, it’s about helping to connect and enrich the growth areas we are working in, such as Wollert and Sunbury,” he said.
“This community-first approach drives every aspect of what we do, from planning and design through to delivery, but we also wanted to offer something tangible and impactful on a broader scale. It’s why we signed up to pledge one per cent as part of our ongoing environmental, social, and governance commitment to community engagement and investment.
“Working with the NGV means we can give students access to learning opportunities and experiences they may not otherwise have. The gift of education is something that pays dividends in many ways.”
NGV Head of Learning Michele Stockley said over 100,000 students and teachers visited the NGV each year.
“Students are amazed by what they can discover and learn at the NGV. The collection includes an incredible diversity of historical and contemporary works that inspire curiosity, provoke interesting questions and conversations, and encourage students to explore their own creativity,” she said.
“Sandhurst Retail and Logistics will be subsiding or covering the cost of travel along with our learning programs so we can ensure more students have access to this rich and rewarding experience.”
For more information about the SSP or to apply to be part of the program, visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au/learn/access-for-all-schools.
