This year marks 10 years since Solid Ground first began its inspirational First Nations-led schools program, opening a window to the world of art and music for First Nations school students in NSW. Central to the program is the placement of practicing First Nations artists in school residencies – a model that has proven transformational in creating school engagement and employment pathways for young people.
In that time, the Solid Ground program has mentored more than 1000 young people, provided 52 paid internships and placed 41 artists in schools, a creative approach to target the unacceptable statistic showing only 59 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students remain in school until year 12, compared with 85 per cent for other students.
“It would be deadly to see this program continue because I know straight up if I had something like this in school I would have stayed in school,” says Felix May, Creative Producer at Solid Ground, run by multi-arts urban cultural precinct Carriageworks in Sydney’s Redfern, on Gadigal Land.
Established in 2015, the First Nations-led program provides cultural education, training and employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school students in Western Sydney and Alexandria. This year’s artists-in-residence include rapper, producer, activist and host of triple j’s Blak Out Nooky; weaver & visual artist Peta-Joy Williams, singer songwriter Akala Newman, and singer & composer, Dyagula.
2024 artist-in-residence, Hip Hop artist Shannon ‘Monks’ Smith,with students from the Solid Ground program during 2024 NAIDOC Week at Carriageworks, Sydney – highlighting the program’s focus on connection to culture. (Photo: Joseph Mayers).
To celebrate its milestone anniversary, and in acknowledgement of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’, Solid Ground is hosting a free exhibition showcasing students’ work at Carriageworks in Redfern from 26 June to 13 July.
At Alberts, we believe equality of opportunity and vibrant culture are essential to a thriving future for all, and we’ve been a funding partner through The Tony Foundation since 2021. Foundation Director Ingrid Albert says Solid Ground’s strength comes not only from its cultural leadership, but also from its enduring vision to empower First Nations youth.
“The Tony Foundation exists to improve the lives of young people through music, and Solid Ground is a powerful example of this in action. It’s First Nations-led, grounded in culture, and delivering real outcomes for First Nations students,” says Ingrid.
“By surrounding students with mentorship, community, and direct engagement with the arts and entertainment sectors, Solid Ground provides a safe space for young people to connect with their identity, and supports them to envision a future as storytellers, artists and changemakers.”
Solid Ground is currently raising funds through its end-of-financial-year campaign to continue supporting the next generation of First Nations artists and leaders. To lend your support, visit: https://my.carriageworks.com.au/donate/q/solid-ground.
