Exposure to the arts is fundamental for children's holistic development.
It nurtures creativity, enhances critical thinking, and cultivates emotional intelligence. Yet, a concerning statistic reveals that over 60%* of South Australian children are missing out on these vital arts experiences.
Meet Lyric, a student from Craigmore High School, who had the opportunity to experience the production of Mary Poppins at Adelaide Festival Centre. Through the Arts for All program, Lyric and her schoolmates experienced a world of wonder and imagination.
Thank you for giving me and my school the tickets and making my dreams come true, I will remember that night forever.
Hello, my name is Lyric, and I was one of the lucky people who got to see the extraordinary production of Mary Poppins at Adelaide Festival Theatre.
This show was so nostalgic to me because when I was little, I would watch the original Mary Poppins on DVD all the time, so you can bet that I was jumping for joy when one of my teachers told me that they had tickets to offer.
The show was phenomenal, the sets, the music, the performers – it was mesmerising. The show takes its own twist on the original classic in the best way, and it almost had me crying when Feed the Birds came on. It was such an amazing night - in my eyes it was “practically perfect”!
Thank you for giving me and my school the tickets and making my dreams come true, I will remember that night forever. Lots of families that come to my school wouldn’t have been able to go to the theatre without your help."
Thank you so, so much for bringing me so much joy and happiness.
With thanks, from Lyric (Craigmore High School)
Lyric's heartfelt sentiments echoes those of countless other children whose lives have been enriched by the transformative power of the arts. Their stories underscore the importance of initiatives like the Arts for All program, which strives to bridge the gap in arts access and ensure that every child has the opportunity to explore, create, and be inspired.
In 2023 alone, Adelaide Festival Centre’s centrED program supported over 19,000 attendances, providing young people with cross-curricular arts learning experiences that will shape their futures.
As we reflect on Lyric's story and many others like hers, let us reaffirm our commitment to making the arts accessible to all young people. Together, we can empower the next generation with experiences to help them thrive.
Hear from Lyric’s teacher Meagan Hill about the incredible impact of Adelaide Festival Centre’s programs.
Thank you for bringing joy and happiness to young people like Lyric. Your support truly makes a difference.
Join us in making the arts accessible to all
Help us break down barriers to participation and create a lasting impact, enriching the lives of South Australians in profound ways.