Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs SmArts
What is SmArts?
SmArts is designed to provide students in Years 8 to 12 who are interested in creative arts with links to art organisations and relevant career information. It aims to raise student’s education aspirations and career knowledge of the creative arts through an interconnected creative program.
SmArts runs for a minimum of 20 hours and includes the following four parts:
- Hands-on creative practice so students can access creative activities to increase self-confidence in their own talents and abilities as well as enhance social skills.
- Visits to or from arts-related organisations, such as an exhibition, theatrical performance or musical performance.
- Talks with an expert so students can engage with art professionals and hear about their study and career pathway to their current job.
- Post program links so students can expand their connections to community and organisational opportunities.
We run a number of programs nationally as part of SmArts, and in partnership with other organisations.
University partnerships
The Smith Family runs SmArts in partnership with the following universities:
- The Australian National University (ACT)
- RMIT University (VIC)
- The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (Edith Cowan University)
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (Edith Cowan University) – We work with the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts to annually deliver 6 creative programs with over 150 students participating. Programs run across a range of Performing Arts including music, musical theatre, dance, drama and Indigenous Storytelling. WAAPA supports students to develop and build their skills and provides an opportunity to showcase their work to peers and supporters.
Newcastle Region Art Gallery - ArtCastle is an initiative by The Smith Family in collaboration with the Newcastle Region Art Gallery (NRAG) and funders. Over the two day program, participating students work on individual and group art works, guided and educated by three artists. By the conclusion of the workshop each student will have worked on art works and experienced new art techniques which are inspired by current gallery exhibitions.
Museum of Contemporary Art - Bella is a program of art-making workshops and exhibition tours for children and young people with specific needs. It is made possible through our partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art and our funding partners. Bella is designed for groups aged between 15-18 years old with disabilities or who are disadvantaged due to financial, social and geographic factors. It runs twice per year with available funding for up to 12 Learning for Life students who participate in a four day art camp.
Conservatorium of Music - We work with the Conservatorium of Music in Sydney NSW to offer CONverge to up to 60 young people across three Sydney high schools. The program seeks to explore and develop students’ own musical identity, creativity and potential. CONverge is about a bringing together of interest, opportunity, resources and place in the context of music, in this case exploring and using the voice as an instrument.
All the people [were] there to support me. I made a whole lot of friends. After every day ended, I wanted tomorrow to come quicker!
The 2020-2021 SmArts Outcomes report revealed that:
- 78% reported an increased level of confidence after participating in SmArts
- 94% reported that they had increased their creative skills
- 92% of surveyed students agreed they have more information to continue with their creative interests on their own
With the help The Smith Family programs, students are able to get the life changing out-of-school learning support they need to enhance their learning and development skills.
Donate now Our learning programs
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.
Arts programs
Providing students living with disadvantage access to arts programs to help support students'; engagement with school by increasing their creative skills, self-confidence, social networks and knowledge of post-school options.
Community programs
We partner with government, schools, families, and other service providers to improve educational outcomes for children.
Financial programs
We offer financial programs for parents facing disadvantage and an interactive high school program, building youth financial literacy, decision-making skills, and future awareness.
School transition programs
Providing help for students transition from primary to high school by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and attitude for the new learning environment.
Learning Clubs
After-school Learning Clubs give children help with literacy homework in a safe, supportive environment, encouraging children to better engage with their learning.
Learning for Life
Learning for Life is an innovative, evidence-based program that supports students throughout their education to achieve positive long-term outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.
Literacy programs
Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
Mentoring programs
Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
Numeracy programs
We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
Technology programs
Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
Work experience programs
We provide work experience programs for students living with disadvantage, to help them explore their future career options and potential job opportunities.