The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) is a national charity seeking to assist people in our most marginalised communities to gain vital language, literacy and communication skills. We believe that literacy is freedom - literacy allows individuals to access education, participate meaningfully in our society and to have a voice. It is a basic human right.

Subtext provides opportunities for students to explore and experiment with an engaging and relevant art-based medium over an 8-week program. Each program is led by Artist Mentors who are skilled in following and adapting to the students’ interests and needs, creating a responsive workshop series that ultimately aims to re-engage students in their school community and educational journey. Each program centers on three core outcomes for our young people: building capacity as creative thinkers and learners, improving wellbeing and enhancing literacy.

To deliver the program, ALNF is seeking Artist Mentors to deliver workshops across various ALNF sites in Western Sydney (and other major ALNF partner regions). The successful applicants will collaborate with ALNF to develop an innovative artistic program that engages young people and their communities.

The contract deliverables include:

• Completion of an induction day to build an understanding of the Subtext approach, trauma-informed practices and cultural competency.
• Initial consultation with the Subtext program manager to ensure detailed development of the program. Artist mentors are to supply own professional resources for the program or negotiate resource purchasing through ALNF.
• Delivery of 8 x 1 hour workshops at multiple program sites throughout a school term. Artist Mentors will run approximately 3 workshops per day at multiple sites. Travel costs are included in the negotiated day rate.
• Submission of data for evaluation measurements.

Period of service delivery: 10 weeks during school terms.

Rates will be comparable to National Association of Visual Arts (NAVA) day rates.

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must demonstrate they can develop and deliver engaging art programs for young people aged from 3-17 (applicants are free to specialise with a particular age).

The EOI application must include:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• 5–6 examples of recent works
• Statement of interest (up to 500 words) answering the following questions:

1. What opportunities do you see for literacy expression through your art medium?
2. What are your strategies for building relationships with young people?