The Localities Enhancing Arts Participation (LEAP) Program

The Mildura community has a big reason to celebrate with the launch of a ground-breaking program encouraging community members to participate in arts activities.

The program in the Mildura region will take place in various communities and will draw on diverse activities ranging from community based theatre through digital storytelling to drawing and printmaking.

Mildura Rural City Council’s portfolio councillor for the arts Judi Harris said “The LEAP project will go to all corners of our municipality and will encourage participation by people from all walks of life.”

“The LEAP project will dispel the myth that the arts is only for a very select group and we will be working very hard to make it accessible and relevant. The three diverse projects will allow people to get involved and try out something new as a way of expressing themselves and enhancing their wellbeing,” said Cr Harris.

It is the first time in Australia that local governments are being funded to work right across the community, for instance with sports clubs, children and disadvantaged communities, to give people the opportunity to express their creativity and tell their stories.

VicHealth CEO Todd Harper said, “Research shows that participating in the arts and other social activities has big benefits for health and wellbeing of local communities.”

“The evidence shows that it is about being connected socially and that’s why it is more beneficial for community members to actively participate in the arts rather than passively sitting and watching a performance – to be a participant rather than a spectator.”

“When more community members are participating in making arts and engaging in social activity, there is reduced crime, increased employment rates and enhanced educational performance.

“There is also strong evidence that mental health and wellbeing is improved amongst individuals who participate in social networks and activities in the arts like singing, music, dancing or theatre groups,” Mr Harper said.

Drawing upon Mildura Rural City Council’s well-regarded work with Professor Tony Vinson on the Mildura Social Indicators Report, Council is also working with the University of Melbourne School of Population Health and VicHealth on a ground-breaking study to evaluate, the health benefits of participating in the arts.

Mildura is one of three local government areas to have received funding as part of VicHealth’s $2.2 million LEAP program, alongside the City of Ballarat and the City of Casey in south east Melbourne.

Visit VicHealth's website for more LEAP information (http://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/LEAP)





Image credit
From the production of The Old Van’s The [Aussie Rules] Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
Friday 16 & Saturday 17 April 2010 - Nangiloc Football Oval, Kulkyne Way, Nangiloc
A LEAP initiative funded by VicHealth, Mildura Rural City Council and Arts Victoria.