Jane Mckell’s Post

Shocking statistics here. Not only are we losing out on future audiences and visitors - there’s now a generation who have had minimal, if any, first-hand exposure of the arts. For many, that first art gallery or theatre trip is where that spark of interest is ignited, which ultimately leads to a career in the arts. We’re losing a third of our talent pipeline. If we think things are tough at present, with industry skills shortages and ageing audiences, this data shows what’s coming down the line. Scary stuff.

Totally agree Emma. Wish I'd followed a creative route sometimes however, I try to bring it to every aspect of my personal and professional life. As a science teacher, I see so much scope for engaging and enriching pupils learning experiences with art. Sadly a very structured and assessment-focussed curriculum leaves little time for exploration and creativity and this saddens me. Surely science and art go hand in hand? I'm certain if we had a little more time for curious minds and artistic flair combined into the subject, pupils would totally run with it and produce some memorable and exciting and innovative work that would enhance their learning! Kaleidoscopes - physics and art Flowers-biology and art Dissection- biology and art Chromatography-chemistry and art The list is endless!

Exam results published today reveal a continuing downward trend in enrolment to arts subjects at A-level. New analysis by the Campaign for the Arts shows that arts subjects now account for a smaller proportion of A-level entries than at any time since 2010. Over that period there has been a 31% drop, from 15.3% of entries in 2010 to only 10.5% this year. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dNtrq77v

"It is more important than ever for public officials and funders to understand the immense social and economic value of the arts and culture – not as embellishments but necessities." Read about how we (that means *you*, too!) clawed back $1 million for 11 restored positions at the city level and $17.5 million at the state level. Details on that and more in Ricky Abilez, MPA's latest blog below.

My Tuesday...attend Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Festival and Awards launch at Home of the Arts, pick up camera gear and jump on a video call with Federal Senior Advisors to the Minister for the Arts. How and Why you may ask? (I know you didn't but I'm going to tell you anyway because this perfectly summarises what I do). The launch - of the AACTA Festival included the Screen Careers Expo presented by Essential Screen Skills (my wonderful workplace!). This event provides a platform for all Creative Industries to showcase careers, pathways and employment in the Screen Industry. The AACTA Festival itself includes an incredible myriad of professional learning and sure opportunity to fangirl over Aussie legends too. The launch was also a great celebration and reflection of the economic impact, tourism opportunities and jobs created that the Screen Industry brings. The camera gear - this week we are collaborating with Asia Pacific Screen Awards to deliver the Reel Connections networking event and Youth Pitch Masterclass (we have 11 eager High School students keen to pitch their ideas to ASPA Mentor Producers). Our ESS Youth Ambassadors will also be flexing their social media content creation skills - snapping photos and highlights reels. Hence camera gear to capture the magic! The video call - here is where it comes full circle. As the representative and in my capacity as Co-Chair of Australian Teachers of Media I work with the incredible team at National Advocates for Arts Education. Currently, the Tertiary pathways to Creative Industries is in a crisis - there I said it. It's a crises and we are advocating at Federal, State and Institution levels to bring attention to bigger picture challenges that students and the industry will face. It's no secret that there is a shortage of skilled technicians in the Creative Industries. There is a survey running currently to capture what is happening across the country at a Tertiary level. Please share (the findings already are so disheartening). https://lnkd.in/g3Ng4etb

It's become considerably interesting to me that liberal arts colleges don't make it mandatory to study the widely practiced and economically impactful visual culture of what is horribly misnamed, 'technical analysis', in the finance industry. It's nothing more or less than music played with money.

Just gonna keep on highlighting this issue… it’s not going away. The impact is now hitting education - FE particularly very hard indeed.Senior management play a numbers game and it’s all about money not success of our young creatives. Low numbers and they will and are closing courses. Once closed these provisions rarely start up again. The outcome? FE will become creative wastelands. The industry will not be able to recruit the new generation. Industry.. this is happening now. It’s time to wake up. Be woke. Protect our industry’s future.

Small successes - delighted my abstract "Coaching intrapersonal intelligence through reflective practice: enhancing creativity with undergraduate dance students engaged in choreographic learning" has been accepted for the Igniting Creativity: Art, Education, Transformation and Change, conference. https://lnkd.in/e_cMszMy

Art is essential to teach from the earliest stages of education because it nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving—foundational skills across all subjects. Art cultivates a unique approach to learning that connects deeply with subjects like math, science, and literature, reinforcing concepts through visual and hands-on experiences. For example, geometry finds practical application in sculpture, physics in painting techniques, and storytelling in visual compositions. Beyond academia, art education fosters innovation and adaptability, aligning with demands in the evolving job market. Fields like design, technology, and engineering increasingly rely on creative minds, highlighting how art provides skills and a mindset prepared for future challenges and opportunities. https://lnkd.in/eJQFP4qs