This year I have the pleasure of running another Creatives in Schools project for two terms at Pukekohe High School, continuing the momentum we built up with our project last year, the Pukekohe Songwriting Collective. Students from all year levels with an interest in songwriting gather each week to create original music and engage with their peers through collaboration and open discussion, with opportunities to record their work and perform to their school community.
The Creatives in Schools initiative brings together schools and creatives to deliver inspiring learning experiences for students based around the arts. It’s led by the Ministry of Education in partnership with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatū Taonga and Creative New Zealand. The project includes a 10k grant for the lead creative and there is also funding available for the school to purchase materials or equipment needed the project.
Sadly there’s an uncertain future for this scheme with questions around whether the government funding will continue, but I’m very grateful I got to take part for two years at least, and I’m looking forward to what this year’s project will bring! It’s really rewarding to see students’ confidence build over time, and to support them to explore self-expression through music and develop their creative voices. Music is such a valuable outlet for young people and it’s a privilege to be able to work with the passionate and talented young musicians and songwriters at Pukekohe High School.
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