ALNF’s Subtext: Art for Literacy program merges arts with oral and written literacy approaches to provide a powerful means for young people from refugee, migrant, First Nations and other marginalised backgrounds to express the complex and diverse aspects of their pasts, presents and futures.

The program partners young people with inspiring and talented arts mentors, who provide unique and engaging opportunities where students are free to explore new, creative ways to express their experiences and ideas.

By providing a safe and inclusive space, participants are encouraged to explore their sense of self, their community and culture, as well as ways they can impact the world around them.

With a dedicated focus on collaboration, the artistic process becomes a way to facilitate conversations, communication skills, language development, reflective practice, and literacy. Students make new connections, communicate their stories, and find their voices – impacting positively on their sense of belonging and confidence.

Engagement with the arts has proven social and cognitive value, and can play a role in connecting individuals to community and giving a voice to the marginalised and disenfranchised.

In recognising the enormous power to connect to people and our own internal voice through written language and the arts, the program encourages students to use any language and art form to express themselves and tell their stories without restrictions or censorship.

The medium of art also offers a safe space for students to communicate personal, often difficult experiences – an important step towards coming to terms with past traumas.