C257/08
19 September 2008
Curtin University of Technology’s new Indigenous Curatorial Traineeship Scheme has won a prestigious award.
The scheme has won the Australia Business Arts Foundation’s (AbaF) Marsh Partnership Award and will take part in the national awards in Melbourne next month.
The AbaF Awards are Australia’s top awards for business and arts partnerships, sponsorships, volunteering and giving.
Curtin’s Cultural Heritage Program Director, Professor David Dolan, of Willetton, said the training scheme was a partnership between the University, mining companies AngloGold Ashanti, Downer EDI and Carey Mining and the Art Gallery of WA.
“The three-year employment and mentoring scheme is tailored to young Indigenous people seeking a career in museums or art galleries,” Professor Dolan said.
“The scheme provides the trainee with work and educational opportunities with the trainee being employed by the Art Gallery of WA and sponsored by the mining companies. They also study half-time for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Heritage Studies at Curtin, which includes placement at the University’s John Curtin Gallery. As a partner Curtin’s contribution is to waive fees.
“Chad Creighton was selected as the first trainee under the new scheme after completing a Bachelor of Arts. He now has three years employment experience from the Art Gallery of WA, a graduate qualification from Curtin and has been involved in an award winning scheme.
“This is a win-win situation for all involved.”
Professor Dolan said the AbaF award demonstrated how much the program, its courses and graduates were valued in the community.
“Graduates like Chad Creighton are in strong demand in the heritage and cultural sector,” he said.
In addition to the AbaF award, the Indigenous Curatorial Traineeship Scheme won a 2006 Western Australian Business and the Arts Partnership Award.
Attention Editor/COS: Available is a photograph by Christian Sprogoe that must be acknowledged if reproduced. Caption (l to r) Mark Lucas, Marsh; David Dolan, Curtin University of Technology; Helen Cook, the Art Gallery of WA; Daniel Archer, Downer EDI; Cara Wissink, Anglogold Ashanti; and trainee Chad Creighton.
Modified: 19 September 2008
