Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts facts for kids
The Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA) is a special school in Australia. It helps young Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander people learn about the performing arts. This includes things like dancing, singing, and acting. ACPA started in 1997. Since 2017, it has been in Fortitude Valley, a part of Brisbane.
ACPA's Story
The idea for a national school like ACPA began in 1994. It was part of a plan by the Australian government. This plan was called "Creative Nation." It aimed to support arts across the country.
In 1997, the Queensland Government helped make ACPA happen. They asked a famous dancer, Michael Leslie, to set it up. Classes at ACPA first started in 1998. They were held at the Metro Arts building in Edward Street, Brisbane.
ACPA has moved a few times. First, it moved to South Brisbane. Then it went to Kangaroo Point. In January 2017, ACPA moved again. Its new home is the Judith Wright Arts Centre. This centre is in Fortitude Valley. The new location has much better facilities. It has special studios for music, acting, and dance.
What ACPA Teaches
ACPA teaches many different skills. Students learn acting, music, and dance. They learn from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous teachers. The school has won several national awards. It is also officially recognized as a training organisation. This means its courses are high quality.
ACPA gets money from different places. The Queensland and Australian governments help fund it. Private companies and people also give money. This support helps ACPA continue its important work.
Who Supports ACPA
The Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts gets help from the Queensland Government. This support comes through Arts Queensland. It also comes from the Department of Education and Training.
ACPA works with many partners. These partners help with education. They include the Brisbane Arts Theatre. Also, the University of Tasmania and Queensland University of Technology are partners.
Many groups support ACPA. These include the Judith Wright Arts Centre. The Queensland Performing Arts Centre also helps. Other supporters are the National Institute of Dramatic Art and Ausdance Queensland. As of January 2019, Wesley Aird is the CEO of ACPA.
