PAYPA presents Petition to Reinstate Creatives in Schools
Labour MP Rachel Boyack posted this image to her Facebook page after receiving the Petition to Reinstate Creatives in Schools at Parliament Grounds.
The petition to Reinstate the Creatives in Schools Programme was presented to Parliament on May 13, with around 80 dedicated supporters, young and old, in attendance - animating puppets, singing, playing music, making speeches and displaying artworks.
After her rallying cry in The Big Idea, Dr Kerryn Palmer presented 3260 signatures to Labour Arts spokesperson Rachel Boyack. The Green Party’s Lawrence Xu-Nan also attended the presentation.
In her presentation speech, Kerryn emphasised that, far from being a ‘nice to have’, the arts are essential for young New Zealanders: “The arts help young people engage their imaginations, dream big and imagine a better future,” she said. “They encourage children to work collaboratively, solve problems, develop resilience and think outside the square. Not only is studying through the arts a proven way to strengthen your life skills (such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, work ethic and time management), further competencies such as collaboration, creativity, resilience, critical thinking, empathy and courage are strengthened through an arts-rich education.”
She was supported by a number of students who gave their personal perspectives on the value of the arts in education. Newlands College student Bee George said: “In drama, one of the first things you’re taught is that 'acting is reacting'. This creative subject makes students think about how they would REACT in a variety of situations. Teaching us, students, the future of our world, to react with consequences in mind that will assist us to function well in this place.” Schoolmate Will McLean added: "I understand that drama may not seem as important as economics, but can you blame me for wanting an outlet? Can you blame me for wanting to look down at a script and create new worlds on a stage when I haven't been given a good world to look up at?"
The petition was received by Rachel Boyack, MP for Nelson, Labour Spokesperson for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Oceans and Fisheries, and Animal Welfare. She later had this to say on her Facebook page:
“A huge honour to accept a petition as Labour’s Arts Spokesperson to reinstate Creatives in Schools. Did you know that studying art and creativity improves educational outcomes, wellbeing and attendance?
“As a young person, I was privileged to study music and have represented New Zealand overseas as a member of the NZ Youth Choir. Studying and practicing music gave me skills in leadership, teamwork, project management, and improved my resilience and mental health. It also led to me being very good at maths!
“It’s my dream that every child in New Zealand has access to arts and creative opportunities, like I did.
“Thank you Dr Kerryn Palmer and Performing Arts and Young People Aotearoa for today’s fabulous event and for being champions for arts education!
The petition is still open - click here to add your signature.
Read the full transcript of Kerryn Palmer’s speech at Parliament Grounds.
Photos below by Anna Barker
